Sport Ball Athletic Activity Monitoring Methods and Systems

ABSTRACT

A method for monitoring a ball used for an athletic activity includes detecting movement of the ball using a sensor module coupled to the ball, determining a characteristic of the movement of the ball, comparing the characteristic to a known profile, and determining a second characteristic using the comparison.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/446,982, filed Apr. 13, 2012. This application is related to commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/446,937, titled “Athletic Activity Monitoring Methods and Systems,” filed Apr. 13, 2012, and commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/446,986, titled “Wearable Athletic Activity Monitoring Methods and Systems,” filed Apr. 13, 2012. Each of the above-mentioned references is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to monitoring methods and systems for monitoring an object during an athletic activity. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for monitoring the movement of a sport ball used by an individual during an athletic activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Athletic activity is important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and is a source of entertainment for many people. Some individuals prefer to engage in team athletic activities such as, for example, soccer or basketball, while other individuals prefer to engage in individual athletic activities such as, for example, running or skiing. Regardless of whether the activity is a team or individual activity, it is common for individuals to participate in both competitive sessions, such as a soccer match or a running race, and more informal training sessions such as conducting soccer drills or running interval sprints.

Technology has resulted in the development of fitness monitoring devices that are capable of recording information about an individual's performance during an athletic activity using sensors, and in some cases providing feedback about the individual's performance. Some portable fitness monitoring devices employ sensors attached to the individual's body, while other portable fitness monitoring devices rely on sensors attached to a piece of athletic equipment. Such sensors may be capable of measuring various physical and/or physiological parameters associated with the individual's physical activity.

Many existing fitness monitoring devices are not portable and thus are not suitable for monitoring in many real world competitive or training sessions. Even those that are portable are often too heavy or lack sufficient battery and/or processing power to be used for extended periods under rigorous competitive or training conditions. In addition, while some existing fitness monitoring devices are capable of making relatively simple performance determinations such as an individual's current heart rate or total step count for an activity, more advanced determinations are often not possible or suffer from accuracy issues. Finally, the performance feedback provided by existing devices to individuals often fails to provide these individuals with quick, accurate, insightful information that would enable them to easily compare past performances, develop strategies for improving future performances, visualize performances, or select new training regimens or athletic equipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

What is needed are new athletic activity monitoring methods and systems having improved capabilities, thus offering individuals engaged in athletic activities better tools to assess their activities. At least some of the embodiments of the present invention satisfy the above needs and provide further related advantages as will be made apparent by the description that follows.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for monitoring a ball used for an athletic activity, the method comprising sensing acceleration data using a sensor module coupled to the object, determining a drag force applied to the object based on the acceleration data, comparing the drag force with a drag profile that expresses drag as a function of object speed, and determining speed of the object based on the comparison.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for monitoring a ball used for an athletic activity, the method comprising determining that the object is in free flight using a sensor module coupled to the object, determining a condition of the object during free flight using the sensor module, determining a trajectory model for the flight of the object based on the condition of the object during flight, and determining the distance traveled by the object based on the trajectory model.

Additional features of embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further serve to explain the principles of and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an individual using an athletic activity monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an individual using an athletic activity monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of various different pieces of athletic equipment according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of components of a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of components of a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of a sensor module configured for monitoring an individual's body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of a sport ball comprising a sensor module for monitoring the sport ball according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of various components of an athletic activity monitoring system communicating according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of various components of an athletic activity monitoring system communicating according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is an illustration of two sensor modules communicating according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a group monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary coordinate system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an exemplary coordinate system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is flow chart illustrating a method for determining an activity metric according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is flow chart illustrating a method for determining an activity metric according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is flow chart illustrating a method for activating a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is flow chart illustrating a method for identifying a matching athletic motion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is flow chart illustrating a method for communicating with a remote computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is flow chart illustrating a method for correlating an activity metric with a location according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a ball and a charging base, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a ball in a calibration state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a ball in motion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating operations to determine an activity metric of a ball, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a ball in motion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating operations to determine an activity metric of a ball, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart illustrating operations to determine an activity metric of a ball, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating operations to determine an activity metric of a ball, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of a ball in motion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of a ball in motion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is an illustration of a ball in motion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart illustrating operations to determine an activity metric of a ball, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a display of a graph illustrating a functional relationship between magnitude of acceleration and speed for a ball, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a display of a table illustrating a functional relationship between magnitude of acceleration and speed for a ball, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a display of a graph illustrating characteristics of an individual and of a ball.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, “some embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The term “invention” or “present invention” as used herein is a non-limiting term and is not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompasses all possible embodiments as described in the application.

Various aspects of the present invention, or any parts or functions thereof, may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, tangible computer readable or computer usable storage media having instructions stored thereon, or a combination thereof, and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems.

The present invention generally relates to athletic activity monitoring methods and systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and systems for monitoring the movement of a piece of athletic equipment used by an individual during an athletic activity. An individual engaged in an athletic activity (or another interested person such as a coach, teammate, or spectator) may desire to obtain information about the motion of the individual's body or the motion of a piece of the individual's athletic equipment during the course of the athletic activity.

For example, if the individual is participating in an activity that involves the use of a sport ball, such as playing in a soccer (i.e., football) match, it may be desirable, for example, to be able to determine the various launch angles at which the soccer ball (i.e., football) was kicked by the individual, to be able to determine the rate of rotation of the soccer ball after it was kicked by the individual, or to be able to determine the peak speeds that the soccer ball was traveling at after being kicked by the individual.

As a further example, if the individual is participating in an activity that involves various movements the individual's chest, such practicing basketball skills, it may be desirable, for example, to be able to identify instances when the individual cut to the left or cut to the right when trying to dribble around a defender, to be able to determine the height that the individual jumped and/or the force with which the individual jumped when taking jump shots, attempting dunks, or attempting to block shots, or to be able to determine the individual's reaction time when working on basketball-related reaction time drills.

In an embodiment, the movement of the bodies of a plurality of individuals engaged in an athletic activity (e.g., teammates or opponents in a team sport) and/or the movement of a plurality of pieces of athletic equipment used by the individuals during the athletic activity may be monitored. In some embodiments, real-time monitoring and/or feedback may be provided, while in other embodiments post-activity feedback may be provided

By using an athletic activity monitoring system including one or more portable sensors, embodiments of the present invention described below may advantageously enable an individual (or their coach, teammate, or a spectator) to obtain this or other information about the motion of the individual's body or the motion of a piece of the individual's athletic equipment during the course of the athletic activity. Data obtained by sensors may be processed in a variety of ways to yield useful information about the motion of an object of interest during the activity. In some embodiments, sensor data may be processed to monitor changes in the spatial orientation (i.e., changes in the position and/or rotation, relative to a specific location on the Earth or other point of reference) of the individual's body or a piece of the individual's athletic equipment. In other embodiment, sensor data may be processed to by reference to a predetermined correlation between movement data and an activity metric stored in a data structure.

In one embodiment, information about the motion of the individual's body or the motion of a piece of the individual's athletic equipment may be used, for example, to provide coaching to the individual about how their movements could be improved, or as a check on the accuracy of a referee, umpire, or other athletic competition judge's judgment related to the movement of the individual's body or athletic equipment.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an individual 100 using an athletic activity monitoring system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The individual 100 may desire to obtain information about the motion of the individual's 100 body or the motion of a piece of the individual's 100 athletic equipment during the course of the athletic activity using athletic activity monitoring systems 10 according to the present invention.

Athletic activity monitoring systems 10 according to embodiments of the present invention may be suitable for use by individuals 100 for team or individual athletic activities and for competitive and informal training sessions. For example, athletic activity monitoring systems 10 according to embodiments of the present invention may be suitable for use by individuals 100 engaged in athletic activities such as baseball, basketball, bowling, boxing, cricket, cycling, football (i.e., American football), golf, hockey, lacrosse, rowing, rugby, running, skateboarding, skiing, soccer (i.e., football), surfing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, or volleyball, or during training sessions related thereto.

Athletic activity monitoring systems 10 according to embodiments of the present invention may include a sensor module 102. The sensor module 102 may include one or more sensors, and may be physically coupled to an object 104 during an athletic activity conducted by an individual 100. As explained in further detail below, the sensor module 102 may be used to monitor changes in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 body 106 or a piece of the individual's athletic equipment 108 in some embodiments, while the sensor module 102 may be used in combination with predetermined correlation data stored in a data structure to determine a correlation between body 106 or equipment 108 movement data and an activity metric in other embodiments.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the monitored object 104 may be the individual's 100 body 106, and the sensor module 102 may be physically coupled to the individual's 100 body 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor module 102 is configured to be physically coupled to the portion of the individual's 100 body 106 known as the chest. In other embodiments, the sensor module 102 may be configured to be physically coupled to other portions of the individual's 100 body 106 such as, for example, the individual's head, neck, shoulder, back, arm, wrist, hand, finger, waist, hip, leg, ankle, foot, or toe.

In some embodiments, the sensor module 102 may be configured to be physically coupled to the portion of the individual's 100 body 106 with one or more layers of clothing, an article of footwear, or athletic protective equipment existing between the sensor module 102 and the individual's 100 body 106. Regardless of whether intervening articles are present, the sensor module 102 may be physically coupled to the portion of the individual's 100 body 106 by a variety of releasable or non-releasable coupling means such as, for example, straps, adhesives, pockets, clips, or by being integrated into an article of clothing (e.g., shirt, pants, sock, glove, or hat), footwear, or athletic protective equipment worn by the individual 100.

In one embodiment, the sensor module 102 may be configured to be placed in a sensor module 102 retention element of a garment that is configured to retain the sensor module 102. In some exemplary embodiments, retention element may be sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the sensor module 102, to be capable of nesting sensor module 102 therein and holding the sensor module 102 in place so as to minimize the effect of movement of a wearer of the garment on the sensor module 102. Additional elements may be used to help minimize this effect, such as, for example, bands and spacer elements. The sensor module 102 retention element may be coupled to textile a layer of a garment by, for example, being integral therewith, being adhered, stitched, welded, tied, clipped, snapped, or mounted thereto, or any combination of these and other techniques. In some exemplary embodiments, sensor module 102 retention element is formed integrally with a textile layer of the garment.

In some embodiments, the sensor module 102 retention element may be positioned to correspond to the upper back of a wearer of the sensor module 102. The sensor module 102 retention element to correspond to a high position on the wearer, such as the upper back, may help minimize interference and maximize range and signal strength of the sensor module 102 within the sensor module 102 retention element when the sensor module 102 sends or receives data. Additionally, positioning the sensor module 102 retention element to correspond to the upper back minimizes interference with athlete movements by the sensor module 102. In some exemplary embodiments, sensor module 102 retention element is positioned to correspond to other than the upper back of a wearer.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the object 104 may be a piece of athletic equipment 108 used by the individual 100 during the athletic activity, and the sensor module 102 may be physically coupled to the piece of athletic equipment 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor module 102 is physically coupled to a piece of athletic equipment 108 that is a soccer ball. In other embodiments, the sensor module 102 may be configured to be physically coupled to other pieces of athletic equipment 108 such as, for example, any type of sport ball, any type of sport “stick” (e.g., a baseball bat, hockey stick, golf club, table tennis paddle, or tennis racquet), a sport glove, a bicycle, an oar, a shoe, a boot, a ski, a hat or cap, a skateboard, a surfboard, or a pair of glasses or goggles.

The sensor module 102 may be physically coupled to the piece of athletic equipment 108 by a variety of coupling means depending on the nature of the piece of athletic equipment 108 and the athletic activity. For example, the sensor module 102 may be physically coupled to a sport ball by being attached to the exterior of the ball, by being attached to an interior surface of a hollow ball, by being suspended by a suspension system in the interior of a hollow ball, or by being integrated into the outer layer or other layer of a multi-layer ball. Also, the sensor module 102 may be physically coupled to a non-hollow sport ball (e.g., a baseball, bowling ball, or golf ball) by, for example, being attached to the exterior of the ball, being integrated between layers of a multi-layer ball, by being embedded in a solid portion of the ball.

As further examples, the sensor module 102 may be releasably or non-releasably physically coupled to a sport “stick” by being wrapped around a portion of the sport stick, by being clipped to a portion of the sport stick, by being attached to an exterior surface of the sport stick, by being attached to an interior surface of a hollow or non-hollow sport stick, by being suspended by a suspension system in the interior of a hollow sport stick, or by being integrated into the wall or other layer of a multi-layer or composite sport stick. The sensor module 102 may be physically coupled to the piece of athletic equipment 108 by a variety of coupling means such as, for example, straps, adhesives, or by being integrated into the piece of athletic equipment 108. In one embodiment, the sensor module 102 may be releasably or non-releasably physically coupled to a piece of athletic equipment 108, such as a sport stick, be being incorporated into a sleeve that is secured about the outside of a piece of athletic equipment 108, such as a sport stick or a handle thereof.

In other embodiments, the sensor module 102 may be integrated within an existing piece of athletic activity monitoring equipment such as, for example, a heart rate monitoring device, a pedometer, and accelerometer-based monitoring device, or other portable fitness monitoring device.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of various different pieces of athletic equipment 108 that could be used according to embodiments of the monitoring system 10 of the present invention. As illustrated, the monitoring system 10 of the present invention may be used with a variety of different pieces of athletic equipment 108, such as, for example, a basketball, a football, a baseball bat, a baseball, a bowling ball, a hockey stick, a hockey puck, a skateboard, a surfboard, a bicycle, a pair of skis, ski poles, a tennis racquet, a tennis ball, an article of footwear, a boxing glove, a golf club, or a golf ball.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of components of a sensor module 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor module 102 includes a processor 110, a power source 112, a memory 114, an acceleration sensor 116, a magnetic field sensor 118, and a transceiver 122 operatively connected to one another to carry out the functionality of the sensor module 102. In other embodiments, one or more of these sensor module 102 components may be omitted, or one or more additional components may be added.

The processor 110 may be adapted to implement application programs stored in the memory 114 of the sensor module 102. The processor 110 may also be capable of implementing analog or digital signal processing algorithms such as raw data reduction and filtering. For example, processor 110 may be configured to receive raw data from sensors and process such data at the sensor module 102. The processor 110 is operatively connected to the power source 112, the memory 114, the acceleration sensor 116, the magnetic field sensor 118, and the transceiver 122.

The power source 112 may be adapted to provide power to the sensor module 102. In one embodiment, the power source 112 may be a battery. The power source may be built into the sensor module 102 or removable from the sensor module 102, and may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. In an embodiment, the power source 112 may be recharged by a cable attached to a charging source, such as a universal serial bus (“USB”) FireWire, Ethernet, Thunderbolt, or headphone cable, attached to a personal computer. In another embodiment, the power source 112 may be recharged by inductive charging, wherein an electromagnetic field is used to transfer energy from an inductive charger to the power source 112 when the two are brought in close proximity, but need not be plugged into one another via a cable. In some embodiment, a docking station may be used to facilitate charging. In other embodiments, the sensor module 102 may be repowered by replacing one power source 112 with another power source 112.

The memory 114 may be adapted to store application program instructions and to store athletic activity data. In an embodiment, the memory 114 may store application programs used to implement aspects of the functionality of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 described herein. In one embodiment, the memory 114 may store raw data, recorded data, and/or calculated data. In some embodiments, as explained in further detail below, the memory 114 may act as a data storage buffer. The memory 114 may include both read only memory and random access memory, and may further include memory cards or other removable storage devices.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the memory 114 may store raw data, recorded data, and/or calculated data permanently, while in other embodiments the memory 114 may only store all or some data temporarily, such as in a buffer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the memory 114, and/or a buffer related thereto, may store data in memory locations of predetermined size such that only a certain quantity of data may be saved for a particular application of the present invention.

The acceleration sensor 116 may be adapted to measure the acceleration of the sensor module 102. Accordingly, when the sensor module 102 is physically coupled to an object 104 (such as an individual's 100 body 106 or a piece of athletic equipment 108), the acceleration sensor 116 may be capable of measuring the acceleration of the object 104, including the acceleration due to the earth's gravitational field. In one embodiment, the acceleration sensor 116 may include a tri-axial accelerometer that is capable of measuring acceleration in three orthogonal directions. In other embodiments one, two, three, or more separate accelerometers may be used.

The magnetic field sensor 118 may be adapted to measure the strength and direction of magnetic fields in the vicinity of the sensor module 102. Accordingly, when the sensor module 102 is physically coupled to an object 104 (such as an individual's 100 body 106 or a piece of athletic equipment 108), the magnetic field sensor 118 may be capable of measuring the strength and direction of magnetic fields in the vicinity of the object 104, including the earth's magnetic field. In one embodiment, the magnetic field sensor 118 may be a vector magnetometer. In other embodiments, the magnetic field sensor 118 may be a tri-axial magnetometer that is capable of measuring the magnitude and direction of a resultant magnetic vector for the total local magnetic field in three dimensions. In other embodiments one, two, three, or more separate magnetometers may be used.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the acceleration sensor 116 and the magnetic field sensor 118 may be contained within a single accelerometer-magnetometer module bearing model number LSM303DLHC made by STMicroelectronics of Geneva, Switzerland. In other embodiments, the sensor module 102 may include only one of the acceleration sensor 116 and the magnetic field sensor 118, and may omit the other if desired.

The transceiver 122 depicted in FIG. 4 may enable the sensor module 102 to wirelessly communicate with other components of the athletic activity monitoring system 10, such as those described in further detail below. In one embodiment, the sensor module 102 and the other local components of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 may communicate over a personal area network or local area network using, for example, one or more of the following protocols: ANT, ANT+ by Dynastream Innovations, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy Technology, BlueRobin, or suitable wireless personal or local area network protocols. Other known communication protocols suitable for an athletic activity monitoring system 10 may also be used.

In one embodiment, the transceiver 122 is a low-power transceiver. In some embodiments, the transceiver 122 may be a two-way communication transceiver 122, while in other embodiments the transceiver 122 may be a one-way transmitter or a one-way receiver. Wireless communication between the sensor module 102 and other components of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 is described in further detail below. In other embodiments, the sensor module 102 may be in wired communication with other components of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 that does not rely on transceiver 122.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a sensor module 102 having components such as those depicted in FIG. 4 may be physically coupled to an object 104 during an athletic activity conducted by an individual 100 to monitor changes in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 body 106 or a piece of the individual's athletic equipment 108, or to determine a correlation between body 106 or equipment 108 movement data and an activity metric. In these embodiments, the acceleration sensor 116 and the magnetic field sensor 118 may be responsible for collecting the data necessary to carry out the various monitoring calculations.

In some other embodiments, however, it may be desirable to have additional sensors included within the sensor module 102, or to have additional sensors in communication with the sensor module 102. In further embodiments, the sensor module 102 may be integrated within an existing piece of athletic activity monitoring equipment possibly having additional or different sensors such as, for example, a heart rate monitoring device, a pedometer, and accelerometer-based monitoring device, or other portable fitness monitoring device.

In addition to the acceleration sensor 116 and the magnetic field sensor 118, other sensors that may be part of the sensor module 102 or separate from but in communication with the sensor module 102 may include sensors capable of measuring a variety of athletic performance parameters. The term “performance parameters” may include physical parameters and/or physiological parameters associated with the individual's 100 athletic activity. Physical parameters measured may include, but are not limited to, time, distance, speed, pace, pedal count, wheel rotation count, rotation generally, stride count, stride length, airtime, stride rate, altitude, strain, impact force, jump force, force generally, and jump height. Physiological parameters measured may include, but are not limited to, heart rate, respiration rate, blood oxygen level, blood lactate level, blood flow, hydration level, calories burned, or body temperature.

Actual sensors that may be capable of measuring these parameters may include, but are not limited to, a pedometer, a pulsimeter, a thermometer, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, a strain gage, a bicycle power meter, a bicycle crank or wheel position sensor, a magnetic sensor, an angular momentum sensor (e.g., a gyroscope), a resistance sensor, or a force sensor.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of components of a sensor module 102 according to another embodiment of the present invention that may incorporate some of the additional sensors mentioned above, as well as other additional components. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor module 102 includes a processor 110, a power source 112, a memory 114, an acceleration sensor 116, a magnetic field sensor 118, a user interface 120, and a transceiver 122, an angular momentum sensor 124, a heart rate sensor 126, a temperature sensor 128, a position receiver 130, a data port 132, and a timer 134 operatively connected to one another to carry out the functionality of the sensor module 102. In other embodiments, one or more of these sensor module 102 components may be omitted, or one or more additional components may be added.

The processor 110, the power source 112, the memory 114, the acceleration sensor 116, the magnetic field sensor 118, and the transceiver 122 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 may have structures and functions similar to those described above with respect to analogous components in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the transceiver 122 may be a two-way communication transceiver 122, while in other embodiments the transceiver 122 may be a one-way transmitter or a one-way receiver.

The user interface 120 of the sensor module 102 may be used by the individual 100 to interact with the sensor module 102. In an embodiment, the user interface 120 may include one or more input buttons, switches, or keys, including virtual buttons, switches, or keys of a graphical user interface touch screen surface. The function of each of these buttons, switches, or keys may be determined based on an operating mode of the sensor module 102. In one embodiment, the user interface 120 may include a touch pad, scroll pad and/or touch screen. In another embodiment, the user interface 120 may include capacitance switches. In a further embodiment, the user interface 120 may include voice-activated controls.

In some embodiments, however, the sensor module 102 may not include a user interface 120. In these embodiments, the sensor module 102 may be capable of communicating with other components of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 which may themselves include user interfaces.

The angular momentum sensor 124, which may be, for example, a gyroscope, may be adapted to measure the angular momentum or orientation of the sensor module 102. Accordingly, when the sensor module 102 is physically coupled to an object 104 (such as an individual's 100 body 106 or athletic equipment 108), the angular momentum sensor 124 may be capable of measuring the angular momentum or orientation of the object 104. In one embodiment, the angular momentum sensor 124 may be a tri-axial gyroscope that is capable of measuring angular rotation about three orthogonal axis. In other embodiments one, two, three, or more separate gyroscopes may be used. In an embodiment, the angular momentum sensor 124 may be used to calibrate measurements made by one or more of the acceleration sensor 116 and the magnetic field sensor 118.

The heart rate sensor 125 may be adapted to measure an individual's heart rate. The heart rate sensor 125 may be placed in contact with the individual's 100 skin, such as the skin of the individual's chest, and secured with a strap. The heart rate sensor 125 may be capable of reading the electrical activity the individual's 100 heart.

The temperature sensor 128 may be, for example, a thermometer, a thermistor, or a thermocouple that measures changes in the temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 128 may primarily be used for calibration other sensors of the athletic activity monitoring system 10, such as, for example, the acceleration sensor 116 and the magnetic field sensor 118.

In one embodiment, the position receiver 130 may be an electronic satellite position receiver that is capable of determining its location (i.e., longitude, latitude, and altitude) using time signals transmitted along a line-of-sight by radio from satellite position system satellites. Known satellite position systems include the GPS system, the Galileo system, the BeiDou system, and the GLONASS system. In another embodiment, the position receiver 130 may be an antennae that is capable of communicating with local or remote base stations or radio transmission transceivers such that the location of the sensor module 102 may be determined using radio signal triangulation or other similar principles. In some embodiments, position receiver 130 data may allow the sensor module 102 to detect information that may be used to measure and/or calculate position waypoints, time, location, distance traveled, speed, pace, or altitude.

The data port 132 may facilitate information transfer to and from the sensor module 102 and may be, for example, a USB port. In some exemplary embodiments, data port 132 can additionally or alternatively facilitate power transfer to power source 112, in order to charge power source 112.

The timer 134 may be a clock that is capable of tracking absolute time and/or determining elapsed time. In some embodiments, the timer 134 may be used to timestamp certain data records, such that the time that certain data was measured or recorded may be determined and various timestamps of various pieces of data may be correlated with one another.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a sensor module 102 having components such as those depicted in FIG. 5 may be physically coupled to an object 104 during an athletic activity conducted by an individual 100 to monitor changes in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 body 106 or a piece of the individual's athletic equipment 108, or to determine a correlation between body 106 or equipment 108 movement data and an activity metric. In these embodiments, the acceleration sensor 116, the magnetic field sensor 118, and/or other included sensors may be responsible for collecting the data necessary to carry out the various monitoring calculations. In some other embodiments, however, it may be desirable to have additional sensors included within the sensor module 102, to have additional sensors in communication with the sensor module 102, or to have fewer sensors with the sensor module 102.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of a sensor module 102 configured for monitoring an individual's 100 body 106 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated sensor module 102 may be similar to the sensor module 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 as being configured to be physically coupled to the portion of the individual's 100 body 106 known as the chest. In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor module 102 of FIG. 6A may be physically coupled to an individual's 100 body 106 during an athletic activity to monitor changes in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 body 106, or to determine a correlation between body 106 movement data and an activity metric.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, in one embodiment, the sensor module 102 may include a housing 136. The housing 136 may contain and protect the various electronic components of the exemplary sensor modules 102 described above with reference to FIG. 4 or FIG. 5. Though the housing 136 is illustrated as a circular disc-shaped housing in FIG. 6A, the housing may take on any suitable size and shape that is able to accommodate the necessary components of the sensor module 102 and to physically couple to the desired part of the individual's 100 body 106. In one embodiment, the housing may be made of plastic, such as, for example, TPU, or other suitably durable material.

In some embodiments, the sensor module 102 may also include a button and/or a display. The button may serve as the user interface of the sensor module 102. The button may be capable of turning the sensor module 102 on and off, toggling through various display options, or serving a variety of other functions. Alternatively, multiple buttons or no buttons may be provided. In one embodiment, the display may be a relatively simple LED display that is capable of conveying the status or battery life of the sensor module 102 to an individual 100. In another embodiment, the display may be a more advanced display that is capable of displaying performance parameter information, feedback, or other information to the individual 100, such as a seven-segment LCD display. Alternatively, no button or display may be provided, as illustrated in FIG. 6A.

In other embodiments, the sensor module 102 may include audio controls such as a speaker and/or microphone for audio communication with an individual 100. These components may serve as the user interface of the sensor module 102. These audio controls may be capable of turning the sensor module 102 on and off, toggling through various display options, or serving a variety of other functions. In one embodiment, the audio controls may be capable of conveying the status or battery life of the sensor module 102 to an individual 100. In another embodiment, the audio controls may be capable of outputting or receiving performance parameter information, feedback, or other information to and from the individual 100. In one embodiment, the audio controls may be capable of accepting voice commands form the individual 100. In another embodiment, the sensor module 102 may be capable of relaying audio information to a user wirelessly via another device, such as a pair of headphones. Alternatively, audio controls may be provided, as illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of a sport ball comprising a sensor module 102 for monitoring the sport ball according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated sensor module 102 may be similar to the sensor module 102 illustrated in FIG. 2 as being configured to be physically coupled to a piece of athletic equipment 108 that is a soccer ball. In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor module 102 of FIG. 6B that is incorporated in the soccer ball may be used during an athletic activity to monitor changes in the spatial orientation of the soccer ball, or to determine a correlation between ball movement data and an activity metric, as a result of, for example the individual 100 kicking the soccer ball.

As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the ball may include an outer layer 142 enclosing a hollow void of the ball. The outer layer 142 may be stitched, bonded, and/or glued together from panels of leather or plastic and laced to allow access to an internal air bladder, if necessary. In other embodiments, the ball may be a non-hollow sport ball (e.g., a baseball, bowling ball, or golf ball) including a single, solid layer or multiple different layers. In some embodiments, the sensor module 102 may be attached to or incorporated into the ball prior to sale to an individual, while in other embodiments the individual may later insert the sensor module 102 after purchasing the ball. In some embodiments, the ball may include a button and a display that may be similar to those described above with respect to the body-mounted sensor module 102, if present. Alternatively, no button or display may be provided, as illustrated in FIG. 6B.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor module 102 may communicate with other components of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 via wired or wireless technologies. Communication between the sensor module 102 and other components of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 may be desirable for a variety of reasons. For example, to the extent that the sensor module 102 records and stores athletic activity information, it may be useful to transmit this information to another electronic device for additional data processing, data visualization, sharing with others, comparison to previously recorded athletic activity information, or a variety of other purposes. As a further example, to the extent that the sensor module 102 has insufficient processing power, wide area network transmission capabilities, sensor capabilities, or other capabilities, these capabilities can be provided by other components of the athletic activity monitoring system 10. With this in mind, possible communications means are described briefly below.

Wired communication between the sensor module 102 and a personal computer 204 may be achieved, for example, by placing the sensor module 102 in a docking unit that is attached to the personal computer 204 using a communications wire plugged into a communications port of the personal computer 204. In another embodiment, wired communication between the sensor module 102 and the personal computer 204 may be achieved, for example, by connecting a cable between the sensor module 102 and the computer 204. The data port 132 of the sensor module 102 and a communications port of the computer 204 may include USB ports. The cable connecting the sensor module 102 and the computer 204 may be a USB cable with suitable USB plugs including, but not limited to, USB-A or USB-B regular, mini, or micro plugs, or other suitable cable such as, for example, a FireWire, Ethernet or Thunderbolt cable. As previously explained above, in some embodiments, such cables could be used to facilitate power transfer to a power source 112 of the sensor module 102, in order to charge the power source 112. Alternatively, the power source 112 may be recharged by inductive charging, or by using a docking station.

Wired connection to a personal computer 204 may be useful, for example, to upload athletic activity information from the sensor module 102 to the personal computer 204, or to download application software updates or settings from the personal computer 204 to the sensor module 102.

Wireless communication between the sensor module 102 and the personal computer 204 may be achieved, for example, by way of a wireless wide area network (such as, for example, the Internet), a wireless local area network, or a wireless personal area network. As is well known to those skilled in the art, there are a number of known standard and proprietary protocols that are suitable for implementing wireless area networks (e.g., TCP/IP, IEEE 802.16, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, ANT, ANT+ by Dynastream Innovations, or BlueRobin). Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to using any particular protocol to communicate between the sensor module 102 and the various elements of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the sensor module 102 may communicate with a wireless wide area network communications system such as that employed by mobile telephones. For example, a wireless wide area network communication system may include a plurality of geographically distributed communication towers and base station systems. Communication towers may include one or more antennae supporting long-range two-way radio frequency communication wireless devices, such as sensor module 102. The radio frequency communication between antennae and the sensor module 102 may utilize radio frequency signals conforming to any known or future developed wireless protocol, for example, CDMA, GSM, EDGE, 3G, 4G, IEEE 802.x (e.g., IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX)), etc. The information transmitted over-the-air by the base station systems and the cellular communication towers to the sensor module 102 may be further transmitted to or received from one or more additional circuit-switched or packet-switched communication networks, including, for example, the Internet.

As shown in FIG. 7, communication may also occur between the sensor module 102, a personal computer 204, and/or a remote server 202 via a network 200. In an embodiment, the network 200 is the Internet. The Internet is a worldwide collection of servers, routers, switches and transmission lines that employ the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to communicate data. The network 200 may also be employed for communication between any two or more of the sensor module 102, the personal computer 204, the server 202, and a docking unit. In an embodiment of the present invention, information is directly communicated between the sensor module 102 and the server 202 via the network 200, thus bypassing the personal computer 204.

A variety of information may be communicated between any of the sensor module 102, the personal computer 204, the network 200, the server 202, or other electronic components such as, for example, another sensor module 102, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or other portable electronic devices. Such information may include, for example, performance parameter data, device settings (including sensor module 102 settings), software, and firmware.

Communication among the various elements of the present invention may occur after the athletic activity has been completed or in real-time during the athletic activity. In addition, the interaction between, for example, the sensor module 102 and the personal computer 204, and the interaction between the personal computer 204 and the server 202 may occur at different times.

In some embodiments of the present invention, an individual 100 using the athletic activity monitoring system 10 may participate in the activity with the sensor module 102 physically coupled to the individual's body 106 or to a piece of athletic equipment 108, but with no other portable electronic devices making up part of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 in the individual's immediate vicinity. In such an embodiment, the sensor module 102 would monitor the athletic activity using its sensors. The sensor module 102 may also perform calculations necessary to monitor changes in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 body 106 or a piece of the individual's athletic equipment 108, or perform calculations necessary to determine a correlation between body 106 or equipment 108 movement data and an activity metric.

Alternatively, in this scenario, other components of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 that are remotely located from the individual 100 during the activity could be relied upon to perform calculations necessary to monitor changes in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 body 106 or a piece of the individual's athletic equipment 108, or perform calculations necessary to determine a correlation between body 106 or equipment 108 movement data and an activity metric. This could occur, for example after wireless transmission of athletic performance information directly from the sensor module 102 to a personal computer 204 or a server 202 during or after the activity, or after a wired transmission of athletic performance information directly from the sensor module 102 to a personal computer 204 after the activity.

However, in other embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the sensor module 102 may communicate with a portable electronic device 206 of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 that is also carried by the individual 100 during the athletic activity. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device 206 may be carried by another person besides the individual 100, or not carried by any person. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device 206 may be a watch, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or other portable electronic device.

The portable electronic device 206 may serve a variety of purposes including, for example, providing additional data processing, providing additional data storage, providing data visualization, providing additional sensor capabilities, relaying information to a network 200, or providing for the playback of music.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the portable electronic device 206 may be a dedicated portable electronic device 206. The term “dedicated portable electronic device” indicates that the portable electronic device 206 is not capable of serving another purpose outside of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 of the present invention. For example, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, or a digital music file player (e.g., an MP3 player) may not be considered to be “dedicated portable electronic monitoring devices” as the term is used herein. In this manner, the dedicated portable electronic monitoring device 206 may in some embodiments provide a simpler and/or more efficient device.

The portable electronic device 206 illustrated in FIG. 8A is not a dedicated portable electronic monitoring device; the portable electronic device 206 illustrated in FIG. 8A is a mobile phone. In alternate embodiments, it may be possible for the sensor module 102 itself to be embodied by a mobile phone. Including a portable electronic device 206 in the athletic activity monitoring system 10, such as a mobile phone, may be desirable as mobile phones are commonly carried by individuals, even when engaging in athletic activities, and they are capable of providing significant additional computing and communication power at no additional cost to the individual 100.

In view of the above discussion, it is apparent that various processing steps or other calculations recited herein may be capable of being performed by various embodiments of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 disclosed herein, and are not necessarily limited to being performed by the sensor module 102, depending on the configuration of a particular embodiment of the present invention. For example, any of the processing steps or other calculations recited herein may be performed, in various embodiments, by the sensor module 102, by a server computer 202, by a personal computer 204, by a portable electronic device 206, and/or any other network component, or by more than one component.

Embodiments of the present invention may involve the use of so-called “cloud computing.” Cloud computing may include the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices as a utility over a network (typically the Internet). Cloud computing may entrust services (typically centralized) with a user's data, software and computation on a published application programming interface over a network. End users may access cloud-based applications through a web browser or a light weight desktop or mobile app while the business software and data are stored on servers at a remote location. Cloud application providers often strive to give the same or better service and performance than if the software programs were installed locally on end-user computers.

FIG. 8B illustrates a first sensor module 102 in wireless communication with a second sensor module 102. In an embodiment, such communication may be desirable so that different individuals 100, including individuals 100 on the same athletic team, can compare their performance in athletic activities or otherwise exchange data without having to first transmit data through a remote computer such as a personal computer 204 or a server 202.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a group monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, group monitoring system 250, depicted in, for example, FIG. 9, includes at least one portable electronic devices 206, at least one base station 260, and at least one group monitoring device 270. Portable electronic device 206 may be coupled to an individual 100. Portable electronic device 206 may include or be in communication with a sensor module 102 or individual sensors associated with an individual 100 or their athletic equipment 108, including, but not limited to, an acceleration sensor 116, a magnetic field sensor 118, a pedometer, a heart rate monitor, a position sensor, an impact sensor, a camera, a gyroscope, a microphone, a temperature sensor, and a wind sensor.

In an exemplary embodiment, the portable electronic device 206 and/or the sensor module 102 may include a sensor garment, a heart rate monitor, and a position sensor. The position sensor may include, for example, a position sensor for use with a satellite-based positioning system, a position sensor for use with a beacon system (e.g., position determination using triangulation and/or time differences of signals received by antennas at known positions about a field or activity area), or a position sensor for use with any other suitable position-determining system. In some exemplary embodiments, group monitoring device 270 may be used by a coach.

Sensor modules 102 may be mounted to individuals 100 in preparation for participation by individuals 100 in a session of athletic activity. Sensor modules 102 mounted to a particular individual 100 may be coupled, either via wires or wirelessly, to a portable electronic device 206, also mounted on the particular individual 100. The sensor modules 102 may sense characteristics about individuals 100 during participation by individuals 100 in the session of athletic activity, and transmit data indicative of the characteristics to the portable electronic device 206. The portable electronic device 206 in turn transmits the data to base station 260 during the session of athletic activity. In some embodiments, the sensor module 102 and the portable electronic device 206 may be integrated into a single device. In additional embodiments, as further illustrated in FIG. 9, a sensor module 102 may be capable of communicating directly with a base station 260 without transmitting data via the portable electronic device 206.

In some exemplary embodiments, this transmission occurs in real time. “Real time” as used herein may include delays inherent to transmission technology, delays designed to optimize resources, and other inherent or desirable delays that would be apparent to one of skill in the art. In some exemplary embodiments, this transmission is delayed from real time, or may occur after completion of the activity. Base station 260 may receive the data and may determine metrics from the data, where the metrics may be representations of the characteristics measured by sensor modules 102, or may be representations of further characteristics derived from the data through the use of algorithms and other data manipulation techniques. Base station 260 in turn may transmit the metrics during the session of athletic activity to group monitoring device 270, which may receive the metrics and display a representation of the metrics.

Group monitoring device 270 may receive metrics associated with a plurality of individuals 100, and may display the received metrics in association with the individuals 100 with which they are associated. In this way, a coach viewing group monitoring device 270 during the session of athletic activity receives detailed information about multiple individuals 100, and can act on that information as it is determined necessary or expedient, thereby efficiently monitoring and managing individuals 100 during the session of athletic activity.

In some exemplary embodiments, sensor module 102 or portable electronic devices 206 calculate metrics based on the data, and transfer these metrics to base station 260 along with or instead of the data. In some exemplary embodiments, base station 260 transmits the data to group monitoring device 270, along with or instead of the metrics. In some exemplary embodiments, group monitoring device 270 calculates metrics based on the data.

Base station 260 may be a self-contained portable system, containing all hardware required or desired to perform the functions of base station 260 described herein. In some exemplary embodiments base station 260 is configured to be portable. In some exemplary embodiments, base station 260 is configured to be positioned at an activity site. In some exemplary embodiments base station 260 is configured to be movable between activity sites such that it can be positioned at various activity sites. In some exemplary embodiments, base station 260 itself includes sensors, such as, for example, a GPS sensor (or other position sensor), a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and/or a wind sensor. Such sensors can provide valuable data that can be used in algorithms to determine metrics associated with individuals 100, as will be described below.

In some exemplary embodiments, base station 260 includes a reference sensor (e.g., a GPS reference sensor), which may be physically included within base station 260 or independent of and located remote from base station 260 at a known position with respect thereto. Reference sensor can be connected to base station 260 via wires or wirelessly. Reference sensor can be used to detect a deviation signal and use it to calculate a correction signal for received position signals (e.g., GPS data). This correction signal can be sent to a sensor module 102 or a portable electronic device 206 (e.g., via base station 260). This correction signal can be used to correct position determinations of sensor module 102 or portable electronic devices 206, thereby increasing their accuracy. Determining such a correction signal and then sending it to sensor module 102 or portable electronic devices 206 achieves efficient use of processing capacity, because sensor module 102 or portable electronic devices 206 are not burdened with determining a correction signal themselves, but simply receive and use a correction signal determined at base station 260 or reference sensor.

Base station 260 may transmit and receive data from sensor module 102 or portable electronic devices 206 via an antenna configured for one or more of RF communication, WLAN communication, ISM communication, cellular (e.g., GSM broad band 2.5G or 3G, 4G, LTE) communication, other suitable communication, or a combination thereof. Communication between base station 260 and sensor module 102 or portable electronic devices 206 may be bi-directional or uni-directional. Base station 260 can then determine metrics from the received data. As described above, base station 260 receives data from sensor modules 102 or portable electronic devices 206. Data reception module of base station 260 may be in communication with each active sensor module 102 or portable electronic device 206.

Group monitoring device 270 can wirelessly receive metrics, alerts, and other information (e.g., identification information and attributes of individuals 100, or statistics relevant to individuals 100 or the athletic activity generally) from base station 260. A single group monitoring device 270 may be in communication with base station 260, or multiple group monitoring devices 270 may be in communication with base station 260 simultaneously. Group monitoring devices 207 may be portable with respect to base station 260 and may communicate with base station 260 via, for example, WLAN (wireless local area network), 2.4 GHz ISM (industrial, scientific, and medical) band, Bluetooth (or Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE)), or cellular protocols.

In some exemplary embodiments, group monitoring device 270 includes a module selection element which allows selection of one or more operation modules to be displayed. The operation modules may be selectable using operation module icons. In some exemplary embodiments, selection of a plan module icon may trigger display of a plan module including features designed to be used to plan a session of athletic activity. In some exemplary embodiments, selection of a monitor module icon may trigger display of a monitor module including features designed to be used to monitor a session of athletic activity in real time during the session of athletic activity, as described further herein. In some exemplary embodiments, selection of an analyze module icon may trigger display of an analyze module including features designed to be used to analyze a session of athletic activity in real time during the session of athletic activity, or after completion of the session of athletic activity, as described further herein. In some exemplary embodiments, selection of a report module icon may trigger display of a report module including features designed to be used to develop reports (e.g., printable or displayable summaries of selected information) related to a session of athletic activity.

In some exemplary embodiments, group monitoring device 270 includes a display and an input. In a preferred embodiment, group monitoring device 270 is a tablet computing-style device (such as a tablet personal computer or an IPAD brand tablet, marketed by Apple Inc.). Group monitoring device 270 may be, however, any other suitable device, such as, for example, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a personal computer, a mobile phone, an e-reader, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a smartphone, or other similar device capable of receiving and displaying information and receiving input.

Suitable group monitoring systems and components may include, for example, the systems and components disclosed in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/077,494, titled “Group Performance Monitoring System and Method,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

An overview of exemplary embodiments of components of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 of the present invention, including exemplary sensor modules 102, has been provided above. A description of various exemplary methods of using the athletic activity monitoring system 10 of the present invention to monitor changes in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 body 106 or a piece of the individual's athletic equipment 108, or to determine a correlation between body 106 or equipment 108 movement data and an activity metric is now provided below.

An individual 100 engaged in an athletic activity (or another interested person such as a coach, teammate, or spectator) may desire to obtain information about the motion of the individual's 100 body 106 or the motion of a piece of the individual's athletic equipment 108 during the course of the athletic activity.

For example, if the individual 100 is participating in an activity that involves the use of a sport ball, such as playing in a soccer match, it may be desirable, for example, to be able to determine the various launch angles at which the soccer ball (i.e., football) was kicked by the individual 100, to be able to determine the rate of rotation of the soccer ball after it was kicked by the individual 100, or to be able to determine the peak speeds that the soccer ball was traveling at after being kicked by the individual 100.

As a further example, if the individual 100 is participating in an activity that involves various movements the individual's 100 chest, such practicing basketball skills, it may be desirable, for example, to be able to identify instances when the individual 100 cut to the left or cut to the right when trying to dribble around a defender, to be able to determine the height that the individual 100 jumped, the horizontal distance the individual 100 jumped, or the force that the individual 100 jumped with when taking jump shots, attempting dunks, or attempting to block shots, or to be able to determine the individual's 100 reaction time when working on basketball-related reaction time drills.

By using the athletic activity monitoring system 10 including the sensor module 102 described above, embodiments of the present invention may advantageously enable the individual 100 (or their coach, teammate, or a spectator) to obtain this or other information about the motion of the individual's 100 body 106 or the motion of a piece of the individual's 100 athletic equipment 108 during or after the course of the athletic activity.

While various embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of the sports of soccer (i.e., football) and basketball, the present invention is not so limited and may be applied in a variety of different sports or athletic activities including, for example, baseball, bowling, boxing, cricket, cycling, football (i.e., American football), golf, hockey, lacrosse, rowing, rugby, running, skateboarding, skiing, surfing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, or volleyball, or during training sessions related thereto. In addition, activity metrics described as being capable of being determined in soccer may be capable of being determined in basketball, or vice versa, when appropriate.

Data obtained by the sensor module 102 may be processed in a variety of ways to yield useful information about the motion of an object 104 of interest during the activity. In some embodiments, sensor module 102 data may be processed to monitor changes in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 body 106 or a piece of the individual's 100 athletic equipment 108. In other embodiment, sensor module 102 data may be processed to by reference to a predetermined correlation between movement data and an activity metric stored in a data structure.

Regardless of whether the athletic activity monitoring system 10 and the sensor module 102 are being used to monitor the individual's 100 body 106 or a piece of the individual's 100 athletic equipment 108, in embodiments of the present invention where there is a desire to monitor changes in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 body 106 or the piece of the individual's 100 athletic equipment 108, a common analytical framework may be used to carryout the monitoring. This analytical framework is illustrated by FIG. 12.

With reference to FIG. 12, in such an embodiment, the individual 100 may use the sensor module 102 in the athletic activity monitoring system 10 to determine a change in spatial orientation of the object 104 according to spatial orientation process 400 as follows.

First, at step 402, the sensor module 102 may detect movement of the object 104. In one embodiment, movement of the object 104 is detected based on acceleration data captured by the acceleration sensor 116 of the sensor module 102. In another embodiment, movement of the object 104 is detected based on magnetic field data captured by the magnetic field sensor 118 of the sensor module 102. In yet another embodiment, movement of the object 104 is detected based on both acceleration data and magnetic field data.

In one embodiment, the magnetic field sensor 118 may be adapted to measure the strength and direction of magnetic fields in the vicinity of the sensor module 102. In another embodiment, the magnetic field sensor 118 may be adapted to measure the strength and direction of the earth's magnetic field in the vicinity of the sensor module 102. In some embodiments, the magnetic field sensor 118 may be capable of measuring the magnitude and direction of a resultant magnetic vector for the total local magnetic field and/or for the local earth's magnetic field.

If the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, the detected movement may consist of the soccer ball rolling on the ground as a result of being dribbled by the individual 100. If the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, the detected movement may consist of the individual's chest moving forward as the individual dribbles a basketball down the court.

In some embodiments, the sensor module 102 may then determine that the movement of the object 104 indicates the occurrence of a movement to track. In one embodiment, the determination that the movement of the object 104 indicates the occurrence of a movement to track occurs when a threshold data value is met for a predetermined period of time. For example, the sensor module 102 may determine that a movement of the object 104 has resulted in a threshold acceleration and/or magnetic field change occurring for a predetermined period of time.

In some embodiments, the determination of the occurrence of a movement to track is an indication that the movement to track had already begun prior to the determination. In this case, it is still possible to capture all of the relevant data relating to the movement as the sensor module 102 may temporarily record a stream of data in a buffer in the event that data that had recently been recorded may need to be examined or more permanently recorded in response to a determination that an occurrence of a movement to track is found. In other embodiments, the determination of the occurrence of a movement to track is an indication that the movement to track is about to begin in the near future. In some embodiments, the sensor module 102 is adapted to store data permanently or temporarily, and may further be adapted to store data for predefined periods of time in certain circumstances, such as when populating a data buffer.

If the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, the movement of the soccer ball as a result of the individual 100 swiftly kicking the ball in an attempt to make a goal may result in a determination that the motion of the ball in response to the kick—which could include motion of the ball before, during, and/or after the determination was made—should be tracked. If the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, the rotation of the individual's 100 chest through one-hundred and eighty degrees of rotation when making an offensive movement may result in a determination that the rotation of the individual's chest—which could include motion of the individual's 100 chest before, during, and/or after the determination was made—should be tracked.

Next, as step 406, in response to the determination of the occurrence of a movement to track, an initial spatial orientation of the object 104 may be determined. In some embodiments, the determination of an initial spatial orientation of the object 104 may be made by reference to a coordinate axis system.

A coordinate axis system is a useful analytical tool for monitoring changes in the spatial orientation of an object 104. FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate axis system 300 having three axes—an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis. Two vectors, “G” and “B,” are superimposed on the coordinate axis system 300 illustrated in FIG. 10. The G-vector 302 pointing in the—Y direction represents a gravity vector. The B-vector 304 represents a resultant magnetic field vector.

FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate axis system 350. This system 350 defines six degrees of freedom for a rigid body, such as the object 104. Six degrees of freedom refers to motion of a rigid body in three-dimensional space, namely the ability to move forward/backward, up/down, left/right (translation in three perpendicular axes) combined with rotation about three perpendicular axes (pitch, yaw, roll), as illustrated in FIG. 11.

Returning to the discussion of step 406, in one embodiment, the determination of the initial spatial orientation of the object 104 may be made with respect to a gravity vector 302, such as that illustrated in FIG. 10. In another embodiment, the determination of the initial spatial orientation of the object 104 may be made with respect to an earth magnetic field vector 304, such as that illustrated in FIG. 10. In other embodiments, the determination of the initial spatial orientation of the object 104 may be made with respect to characterizations of the way that the object translated and rotated in three-dimensional space with six degrees of freedom, as explained with reference to FIG. 11.

If the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, the determination of the initial spatial orientation of the soccer ball relative to the specific movement to be tracked (i.e., movement of the ball resulting from the kick) may be defined, for example, as the spatial orientation of the soccer ball just before, at the moment of, or just after the soccer ball was swiftly kicked by the individual's 100 foot, depending on the particular application and algorithms used. If the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, the determination of the initial spatial orientation of the individual's 100 chest relative to the specific movement to be tracked (i.e., the one-hundred and eighty degree rotation) may be defined, for example, as the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 chest just before, at the moment of, or just after the individual's 100 chest began rotating, depending on the particular application and algorithms used.

At step 408, after the determination of the initial orientation of the object 104 at a first time has been made, a change in the spatial orientation of the object 104 may be determined. In an embodiment, the determination of the change in the spatial orientation of the object 104 at step 408 may be made similarly to the determination of the initial orientation of the object 104 at step 406, except that additional information about changes in the orientation of the gravity vector 302 and/or the magnetic field vector 304 as the object moves may be additionally factored in.

If the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, the determination of the change in the spatial orientation of the soccer ball relative to the specific movement to be tracked (i.e., movement of the ball resulting from the kick) may be defined, for example, as the change in spatial orientation of the soccer ball from the time that the initial orientation of the soccer ball was identified to a later point in time when the ball is still moving or has ceased moving, depending on the particular application and algorithms used. If the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, the determination of the change in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 chest relative to the specific movement to be tracked (i.e., the one-hundred and eighty degree rotation) may be defined, for example, as the change in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 chest from the time that the initial orientation of the individual's 100 chest was identified to a later point in time when the individual's 100 chest is still moving or has ceased moving, depending on the particular application and algorithms used.

At step 410, an activity metric is determined based on the change in the spatial orientation of the object 104 determined in step 408. The nature of the activity metric may change based on the athletic activity that the individual 100 is participating in, as well as particular object 104 that is being monitored. In one embodiment, the activity metric may relate to, for example, a launch angle, a rate of rotation, a ball trajectory, a speed, a jump height, a jump force, a jump distance, a jump trajectory, a kick force, a kick distance, an impact force, a characterization of a specific type of athletic movement, or a reaction time measurement. In other embodiments, the activity metric may be, for example, the rate of rotation, the plane of rotation, the jump force, force profile (force acting upon the body of the athlete or the ground or the object), stroke information in tennis, swing profile in golf, baseball, hockey stick, kick profile of a leg, angle position of a bike pedal, power output of a cyclist, fatigue (tremors starting to occur in repeated motion, i.e., running, lifting swimming, rowing etc.), posture, throwing or arm swing technique, and shooting technique.

If the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, the change in the spatial orientation of the ball resulting from the kick may be used to determine, for example, a launch angle of the ball, a rate of rotation of the ball, launch speed, estimated speed, or similar metrics. If the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, the change in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 chest during the one-hundred and eighty degree rotation may be used to determine, for example, that the individual had been posting up a defender and then executed a one-hundred and eighty degree spin move to maneuver around the defender, or similar metrics. In other embodiments, the change in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 chest may be used to determine a jump height or jump force.

Finally, at step 412, an output is provided that conveys the activity metric to the individual 100, a coach, a teammate, a spectator, or any other interested person. In one embodiment, the output may be an audible, visual, and/or haptic output.

In some embodiments of the present invention, instead of a desire to monitor changes in the spatial orientation of an object 104 of interest, there may be a desire to correlate movements of objects 104, such as the individual's 100 body 106 or the piece of the individual's 100 athletic equipment 108, to activity metrics based on a predetermined correlation stored in a data structure. A common analytical framework may be used to carry out such correlations. This analytical framework is illustrated by FIG. 13.

With reference to FIG. 13, in such an embodiment, the individual 100 may use the sensor module 102 in the athletic activity monitoring system 10 to determine such correlations to object 104 movement according to movement correlation process 420 as follows.

First, at step 422, the sensor module 102 may detect movement of the object 104. This step may be carried out in a similar fashion to step 402 of the spatial orientation process 400, as described above.

If the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, the detected movement may consist of the soccer ball rolling on the ground as a result of being dribbled by the individual 100. If the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, the detected movement may consist of the individual's chest moving forward as the individual dribbles a basketball down the court.

In some embodiments, the sensor module 102 may then determine that the movement of the object 104 indicates the occurrence of a movement to track. This step may be carried out in a similar fashion to step 404 of the spatial orientation process 400, as described above.

If the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, the movement of the soccer ball as a result of the individual 100 swiftly kicking the ball in an attempt to make a goal may result in a determination that the motion of the ball in response to the kick—which could include motion of the ball before, during, and/or after the determination was made—should be tracked. If the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, the movement of the individual's 100 chest sharply upward away from the ground as a result of the individual jumping to, for example, take a jump shot, attempt a dunk, or attempt to block a shot, may result in a determination that the upward movement of the individual's chest—which could include motion of the individual's 100 chest before, during, and/or after the determination was made—should be tracked.

Next, at step 426, the sensor module 102 may record movement data in response to identifying a movement to track. In one embodiment, movement of the object 104 is recorded based on acceleration data captured by the acceleration sensor 116 of the sensor module 102. In another embodiment, movement of the object 104 is recorded based on magnetic field data captured by the magnetic field sensor 118 of the sensor module 102. In yet another embodiment, movement of the object 104 is recorded based on both acceleration data and magnetic field data.

If the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, the movement of the soccer ball as a result of the individual 100 swiftly kicking the ball may be recorded. If the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, the movement of the individual's 100 chest sharply upward may be recorded.

Next, at step 428, the sensor module 102 may determine a correlation between the recorded movement data and an activity metric. In one embodiment, this determination may be based on correlation information stored in a data structure, such as a lookup table.

A lookup table is a data structure, usually an array or associative array, often used to replace a runtime computation with a simpler array indexing operation. The savings in terms of processing time can be significant, since retrieving a value from memory is often faster than undergoing relatively processing-expensive computation or input/output operation. Lookup table figures may be pre-calculated and stored in static program storage or pre-fetched as part of a program initialization phase.

The nature of the correlation may depend on the particular application and algorithms used to establish the correlation. Also, the nature of the activity metric may change based on the athletic activity that the individual 100 is participating in, as well as particular object 104 that is being monitored. In one embodiment, the activity metric may relate to, for example, a launch angle, a rate of rotation, a ball trajectory, a speed, a jump height, a jump force, a jump distance, a jump trajectory, a kick force, a kick distance, an impact force, a characterization of a specific type of athletic movement, or a reaction time measurement. In other embodiments, the activity metric may be, for example, the rate of rotation, the plane of rotation, the jump force, force profile (force acting upon the body of the athlete or the ground or the object), stroke information in tennis, swing profile in golf, baseball, hockey stick, kick profile of a leg, angle position of a bike pedal, power output of a cyclist, fatigue (tremors starting to occur in repeated motion, i.e., running, lifting swimming, rowing etc.), posture, throwing or arm swing technique, and shooting technique.

If the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, the correlation between the recorded movement data and an activity metric may rely on correlation data stored in a data structure that was derived from a function that expresses a relationship between soccer ball acceleration data and soccer ball launch speed metrics. In some embodiments, the function underlying the relationship between soccer ball acceleration data and soccer ball launch speed may be based on empirical data for the specific model soccer ball.

If the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, the correlation between the recorded movement data and an activity metric may rely correlation data stored in a data structure that was derived from a function that expresses a relationship between chest acceleration data and, for example, jump height or jump force metrics. In some embodiments, the function underlying the relationship between chest acceleration data and jump height may be based on data such as, for example, the individual's weight.

Finally, at step 430, an output is provided that conveys the activity metric to the individual 100, a coach, a teammate, a spectator, or any other interested person. This step may be carried out in a similar fashion to step 412 of the spatial orientation process 400, as described above.

The analytical frameworks outlined with respect to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 detailing the basic spatial orientation process 400 and the basic movement correlation process 420, respectively may be used in embodiments of the present invention to monitor the individual's 100 body 106 or a piece of the individual's 100 athletic equipment 108 using a sensor module 102. However, in some embodiments of the present invention, these basic analytical frameworks may include additional steps that may provide improved capabilities, thus offering the individual 100 engaged in athletic activities better tools to assess their activities.

FIG. 14 illustrates an active state process 440 that may be used to augment the basic spatial orientation process 400 or the basic movement correlation process 420 outlined above. The active state process 400 may enable a sensor module 102 to run in a plurality of states, one of which may be considered an active state. In one embodiment, the active state may be characterized by the sensor module 102 consuming more power during the active state than prior to the active state. In another embodiment, the active state may be characterized by the sensor module 102 sampling data from the acceleration sensor 116 at a higher rate during the active state than prior to the active state. In yet another embodiment, the active state may be characterized by the sensor module 102 permanently saving data in the active state, as opposed to only temporarily recorded data prior to the active state. In this way, enabling various states may allow the sensor module 102 to operate with reduced battery power, reduced processing power, or otherwise be more efficient.

With reference to FIG. 14, the active state process 440 begins as step 442. In one embodiment, the steps of the active state process 440 may occur just prior to the steps of the basic spatial orientation process 400 or the basic movement correlation process 420 so that these processes may be carried out with more efficient sensor module 102 function.

At step 442, the sensor module 102 may detect movement of the object 104 at a first time. This step may be carried out in a similar fashion to step 402 of the spatial orientation process 400 or step 422 of the movement correlation process 420, as described above.

If the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, the detected movement may consist of the soccer ball rolling on the ground as a result of being dribbled by the individual 100. If the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, the detected movement may consist of the individual's 100 chest moving forward as the individual dribbles a basketball down the court.

Next, at step 444, the sensor module 102 may determine that the movement of the object 104 corresponds to a predetermined activation movement. In some embodiments, the predetermined activation movement may include a series of discrete movements such as, for example, a ball being bounced three times in series, the ball being thrown a predetermined height, the ball being kicked with a certain level of force, the individual 100 jumping up and down three times in series, or a movement that results in the acceleration of the sensor module 102 exceeding and/or falling below a predetermined threshold in absolute terms or for a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment, movement of the object 104 is detected based on acceleration data captured by the acceleration sensor 116 of the sensor module 102. In another embodiment, movement of the object 104 is detected based on magnetic field data captured by the magnetic field sensor 118 of the sensor module 102. In yet another embodiment, movement of the object 104 is detected based on both acceleration data and magnetic field data.

The step of determining that the movement of the object corresponds to a predetermined activation movement may include comparing acceleration data associated with the predetermined activation movement to acceleration data detected in association with the movement of the object. Alternatively, the step of determining that the movement of the object corresponds to a predetermined activation movement may include comparing timing data associated with the predetermined activation movement to timing data detected in association with the movement of the object.

If the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, the predetermined activation movement could be, for example, movement of the soccer ball after it had been stationary for a predetermined period of time, the soccer ball being bounced three times, the soccer ball being thrown into the air a certain height of period of time, or a variety of other possible activation movements. If the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, the predetermined activation movement could be, for example, movement of the individual's 100 chest after the individual 100 had been stationary for a predetermined period of time (e.g., sitting on the bench), the individual 100 jumping up and down three times in a row, the individual 100 squatting three times in a row, or a variety of other possible activation movements.

In some embodiments, the monitored object 104 can be considered stationary when the sensor module 102 of the monitored object 104 senses resultant acceleration of about 1G (i.e., resultant acceleration within a threshold tolerance of 1G, for example, within 5% of 1G). In some embodiments the monitored object 104 can be considered stationary at times while being handled by an individual. For example, a ball can be stationary for a period of time in which a basketball player takes a jump shot with ball (e.g., before release of ball from the hands of the individual, the ball can be considered stationary, where resultant acceleration sensed by sensor module 102 is about 1G). Also for example, the ball can be stationary for a period of time in which a baseball player performs a throw of ball (e.g., a period of time spanning the transition from rearward motion to forward motion of the individual's throwing motion, where resultant acceleration sensed by sensor module 102 is about 1G).

Next, at step 446, after determining that an activation movement has occurred, the sensor module 102 may enter the active state. As previously described, the active state may be characterized, for example, by the sensor module 102 consuming more power or sampling data at a higher rate during the active state than prior to the active state.

Finally, at step 448, upon the sensor module 102 entering the active state, detection of movement of the object at a second time, as detailed at step 402 of the basic spatial orientation process 400 or at step 422 of the basic movement correlation process 420. In this way, enabling various states may allow the sensor module 102 to operate with reduced battery power, reduced processing power, or otherwise be more efficient.

FIG. 15 illustrates a reference motion process 450 that may be used to augment the basic movement correlation process 420 outlined above. The reference motion process 450 may enable a sensor module 102 to identify a matching athletic motion from a plurality of reference motions by comparing movement data, where the plurality of reference motions may be diverse in nature. In this way, the athletic motion identification capabilities of the movement correlation process 420 may be enhanced by enabling identification and tracking of diverse types of motions executed during an activity.

With reference to FIG. 15, the reference motion process 450 begins as step 452. In one embodiment, the steps of the reference motion process 450 may effectively be substituted for step 426, 428, and 430 of the basic movement correlation process 420 outlined above so that the correlation and identification capabilities are enhanced.

At step 452, the sensor module 102 may record movement data (possibly in response to identifying a movement to track in a previous step, as outlined above). In one embodiment, movement of the object 104 is recorded based on acceleration data captured by the acceleration sensor 116 of the sensor module 102. In another embodiment, movement of the object 104 is recorded based on magnetic field data captured by the magnetic field sensor 118 of the sensor module 102. In yet another embodiment, movement of the object 104 is recorded based on both acceleration data and magnetic field data.

If the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, the movement of the soccer ball as a result of the individual 100 swiftly kicking the ball may be recorded. If the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, the movement of the individual's 100 chest sharply upward may be recorded.

Next, at step 454, the sensor module 102 may identify a matching athletic motion from a plurality of reference motions by comparing the movement data to data associated with the plurality of reference motions. In one embodiment, as with step 428 of the basic movement correlation process 420, the identification may be made at least in part based on correlation information stored in a data structure, such as a lookup table.

Particular to step 428, identification of the matching athletic motion may be by reference to a plurality of reference motions. In other words, at step 428, the system is not limited to looking for a motion that matches a single motion (e.g., kicking a soccer ball in an effort to score a goal). In some embodiments, the system is not limited to looking for a motion that matches a single class of motions (e.g., offensive soccer motions). In other embodiments, the system is not limited to looking for a motion that matches motions in a single sport (e.g., soccer motions). Alternatively, when the activity is a team sport, the matching athletic motion may be a motion commonly executed by a person during that team sport.

In one embodiment, one or more of the reference motions may include a series of discrete movements. In some embodiments, data associated with the plurality of reference motions may include acceleration data, magnetic field data, and/or timing data. Of course, the nature of the identifying matching athletic motion may depend on the particular application and algorithms used to establish the match. Also, the nature of the matching athletic motion may change based on the athletic activity that the individual 100 is participating in, as well as particular object 104 that is being monitored. In one embodiment related to basketball, the matching athletic motion may be, for example, a pass motion, an shot motion, an jump-shot motion, a dunk motion, a post-up motion, a cross-over dribble motion, a shot blocking motion, a steal motion, or a rebound motion.

Finally, at step 456, an output is provided that conveys the matching athletic motion to the individual 100, a coach, a teammate, a spectator, or any other interested person. This step may be carried out in a similar fashion to step 430 of the movement correlation process 420, as described above. In this way, the athletic motion identification capabilities of the movement correlation process 420 may be enhanced by enabling identification and tracking of diverse types of motions executed during an activity.

FIG. 16 illustrates a remote spatial processing process 460 that may be used to augment the basic spatial orientation process 400 outlined above. The remote spatial processing process 460 may enable a sensor module 102 to wirelessly transmit spatial orientation data to a remote computer for processing. Wireless communication with other elements of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 is generally described above with reference to FIG. 7. In this way, the spatial processing capabilities or movement correlation capabilities of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 may be enhanced by shifting certain processing and analytical tasks to a remotely located computer, such as a server computer, with greater computational abilities and, in some embodiments, access to additional data or other resources.

With reference to FIG. 16, the remote spatial processing or correlation process 460 begins as step 462. In one embodiment, the steps of the remote spatial processing or correlation process 460 may effectively be substituted for step 410 of the basic spatial orientation process 400, or step 426 of the basic movement correlation process 420, outlined above so that activity metric determination may occur remotely.

At step 462, a change in the spatial orientation of the object 104 may be determined or movement data may be recorded. In an embodiment, the determination of the change in the spatial orientation of the object 104 or the recordation of movement data at step 462 may be made similarly to the determination of the change in spatial orientation of the object 104 at step 408 of the basic spatial orientation process 400 outlined above or to the recording of movement data at step 426 of the basic movement correlation process 420.

Next, at step 464, the sensor module 102 may wirelessly transmit data relating to the change in spatial orientation, or to movement, to a computer, wherein the computer is remotely located from the user during the athletic activity. For example, the remote computer may be server 202. In one embodiment, the data relating to the change in spatial orientation, or to movement, may be transmitted to the remote computer during the athletic activity. In another embodiment, the data relating to the change in spatial orientation, or to movement, may be transmitted to the remote computer after the athletic activity has been completed.

Next, at step 466, the sensor module 102 may wirelessly receive activity metric data from the remote computer, wherein the activity metric data is based on the transmitted data relating to the change in spatial orientation, or to movement. Accordingly, the determination of the activity metric, as outlined, for example, at step 410 of the basic spatial orientation process 400, the determination of the activity metric based on correlation data, possibly with reference to a lookup table, as outlined, for example, at step 428 of the basic movement correlation process 420, may be handled by the remote computer. In one embodiment, the activity metric data may be received from the remote computer during the athletic activity. In another embodiment, the activity metric data may be received from the remote computer after the athletic activity has been completed.

In addition, in certain embodiments, because of the greater processing capabilities and resources of the remote computer, the remote computer may be capable of providing additional information to the sensor module 102. In one embodiment, the sensor module 102 may receive training recommendation data from the remote computer in addition to the activity metric data. In another embodiment, the sensor module 102 may receive motivational content data from the remote computer in addition to the activity metric data.

In an embodiment, the activity metric data received from the remote computer may include a comparison between data associated with the user for the present athletic activity and data associated with the user from a previous athletic activity. In another embodiment, the activity metric data received from the remote computer may include a comparison between data associated with the user for the present athletic activity and data associated with a different individual's athletic activity.

Finally, at step 468, an output is provided that conveys the activity metric to the individual 100, a coach, a teammate, a spectator, or any other interested person. This step may be carried out in a similar fashion to step 412 of the spatial orientation process 400, or to step 430 of the movement correlation process 420, as described above. In this way, the spatial processing or movement determining capabilities of the athletic activity monitoring system 10 may be enhanced by shifting certain processing and analytical tasks to a remotely located computer, such as a server computer, with greater computational abilities and, in some embodiments, access to additional data or other resources.

FIG. 17 illustrates a location process 480 that may be used to augment the basic spatial orientation process 400 or the basic movement correlation process 420 outlined above. The location process 480 may enable an individual to determine the precise geographic location that various monitored athletic motions occurred during the course of an athletic activity. In this way, the location process 480 may provide the individual, a coach, a teammate, a spectator, or any other interested person with additional information that may be correlated with the movement-based activity metric information itself.

With reference to FIG. 17, the location process 480 begins as step 482. In one embodiment, the steps of the location process 480 may occur after the steps of the basic spatial orientation process 400 or the basic movement correlation process 420, or just prior to the output steps of these processes.

At step 482, the activity metric may be determined based on a change in the spatial orientation of the object 104, as described at step 410 of the spatial orientation process 400, or based on the correlation described at step 428 of the movement correlation process 420. The nature of the activity metric may change based on the athletic activity that the individual 100 is participating in, as well as particular object 104 that is being monitored. In one embodiment, the activity metric may relate to, for example, a launch angle, a rate of rotation, a speed, a jump height, jump force, a characterization of a specific type of athletic movement, or a reaction time measurement.

Next, at step 484, the location of the object 104 during the athletic activity may be determined. In one embodiment, the location of the object 104 during the athletic activity is determined using a satellite positioning system receiver, such as a GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, or GLONASS receiver. In another embodiment, the location of the object 104 during the athletic activity is determined using a beacon signal or radio signal triangulation.

In embodiments where the individual's 100 physical activity includes traversing a specific route (e.g., running or biking in a race), the sensor module 102 may capable of recording an individual's 100 geographic way points along the route traversed.

Finally, at step 486, a determined athletic activity metric may be correlated with the location associated with the athletic activity metric. Accordingly, for example, the sensor module 102 may capable of recording where an individual 100 took each soccer or basketball shot.

By using the athletic activity monitoring system 10 including the sensor module 102 described above, embodiments of the present invention may advantageously enable the individual 100 (or their coach, teammate, or a spectator) to obtain this or other information about the motion of the individual's 100 body 106 or the motion of a piece of the individual's 100 athletic equipment 108 during or after the course of the athletic activity.

While various embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of the sports of soccer (i.e., football) and basketball, the present invention is not so limited and may be applied in a variety of different sports or athletic activities including, for example, baseball, bowling, boxing, cricket, cycling, football (i.e., American football), golf, hockey, lacrosse, rowing, rugby, running, skateboarding, skiing, surfing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, or volleyball, or during training sessions related thereto.

For baseball, sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to determine, for example, characteristics of a pitcher's pitch, a batter's swing, or the ball's movement after it is thrown or before it is hit. For example, a sensor module 102 could be used to determine the type of pitch thrown (fastball, curveball, slider, change-up, etc.), the speed of a pitch, the trajectory of the pitch, or the total pitch count. A sensor module 102 could also be used to determine the type of swing (e.g., regular swing, bunt, swing that connects with the ball, swing that misses the ball, etc.), the speed of the swing, the swing count, the type of hit (grounder, line-drive, fly ball, homerun, etc.), the trajectory of the ball after it was hit, or the distance that the ball was hit. In some embodiments the sensor module 102 may be mounted, for example, on a pitcher's torso, arm, hand, or finger, on a batter's torso, arm, hand, or finger, on or in the ball, or on or in a bat.

For bowling, sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to determine, for example, characteristics of a bowler's release or the ball's path. For example, a sensor module 102 could be used to determine the type of spin applied to the roll, the speed of a roll, the total roll count, the force applied to the pins at the moment of impact, or the location or occurrence of divots of slick spots on the lane. A sensor module 102 could also be used to determine the path of the ball after a release. In some embodiments the sensor module 102 may be mounted, for example, on a bowler's torso, arm, hand, or finger, or on or in the ball.

For boxing, sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to determine, for example, characteristics of a boxer's offensive or defensive moves. For example, a sensor module 102 could be used to determine the type of punch thrown by a boxer (jab, hook, upper-cut, etc.), whether the boxer's left or right hand was used, the speed of the punch, whether the punch connected, and/or the total punch count. A sensor module 102 could also be used to determine whether a boxer dogged left, right or down, blocked a punch, was knocked down, or how many punches the boxer took. In some embodiments the sensor module 102 may be mounted, for example, on a boxer's torso, arm, hand, or finger, or on or in their boxing glove.

For cycling, sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to determine, for example, characteristics of a biker's or bike's motion. For example, a sensor module 102 could be used to determine the speed of the bike, the nature of the turns, the nature of the elevation changes during a route, or jump characteristics such as airtime, the type of trick performed, or whether a trick was successfully performed. In some embodiments the sensor module 102 may be mounted, for example, on a biker's torso, arm, hand, leg, foot, or head, or on or in their bike at a location such as, for example, the handlebars, frame, or pedals.

For football (i.e., American football), sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to determine, for example, characteristics of an offensive, defensive, or special teams player's movements, or the movement of the ball itself. For example, a sensor module 102 could be used to determine the type of run, pass, kick, or tackle, the number or runs, passes, kicks, or tackles, the force or a run, pass, kick, or tackle, the type of move used by a running back (e.g., spin move, stiff arm, hurdle, dive, sprint, etc.), or the distance, hang time, or rotational characteristics of a pass or kick. In some embodiments the sensor module 102 may be mounted, for example, on a player's torso, arm, or leg, or on or in the ball.

For golf, sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to determine, for example, characteristics of a golfer's swing or the motion of the ball after it is hit. For example, a sensor module 102 could be used to determine the type of swing (drive, fairway shot, approach shot, putt) the swing speed, the swing quality, or a swing count, which could in turn be used to coach a golfer on how to improve their swing or game play. A sensor module 102 could also be used to determine the path of the ball (straight, slice, hook, low, high, breaking left, breaking right) or the distance of a shot. In some embodiments the sensor module 102 may be mounted, for example, on a golfer's torso, arm, hand, leg, foot, or head, or on or in the ball, or on or in a club.

For hockey, sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to determine, for example, characteristics of a player's shot or pass or the motion of the puck after it is contacted. For example, a sensor module 102 could be used to determine the type of shot (e.g., slapshot, backhand shot), the shot speed, the shot quality, or a shot or pass count. A sensor module 102 could also be used to determine the path of the puck toward the goal (straight, left, right, low, high,). In some embodiments the sensor module 102 may be mounted, for example, on a hockey player's torso, arm, hand, leg, foot, or head, or on or in the puck, or on or in a stick.

For running, sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to determine, for example, characteristics of a runner's motion. For example, a sensor module 102 could be used to determine the speed, pace, distance traversed, locations traversed, or to discriminate between different surfaces (e.g., grass, street, or trail) and inclinations (e.g., uphill, flat, or downhill). In some embodiments the sensor module 102 may be mounted, for example, on a runner's torso, arm, hand, leg, foot, or head, or on or in their article of footwear.

For skiing, sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to determine, for example, racecourse statistics or information on when certain tricks are successfully performed. For example, a sensor module 102 could be used to determine how many gates a skier successfully traverse on a race course, the skier's speed, or the angles of their turns. Also, a sensor module 102 could be used to determine maneuvers such as jumps, flips, rotations, or the degree of the actions that makeup the maneuvers (e.g., height of jump, degrees of rotation, hang-time, type of trick performed, etc.). In one embodiment, sensor module 102 may be mounted on a top or bottom surface of a ski, contained within a ski, or placed in a void in the ski, in a releasable or non-releasable manner, or mounted to the skier's boot, body, or in or on other clothing. In other embodiments, sensor modules 102 could similarly be used for snowboarding or other similar winter sports activities involving similar winter sports equipment.

For tennis, sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to determine, for example, characteristics of a player's swing or the motion of the ball after it is hit. For example, a sensor module 102 could be used to determine the type of swing (forehand, backhand, serve, return, lob) the swing speed, the swing quality, or a swing count. A sensor module 102 could also be used to determine the motion of the ball (straight, topspin, backspin, left spin, right spin) or the distance of a shot. In some embodiments the sensor module 102 may be mounted, for example, on a player's torso, arm, hand, leg, foot, or head, or on the tennis ball, or on a racquet.

For skateboarding, sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to determine, for example, when certain tricks are successfully performed, such as ollies, aerials, flip tricks (e.g., kickslips), slides, or grinds, or the degree of the actions that makeup the tricks (e.g., height of jump, rate of rotation, length of time of slide, etc.). In one embodiment, the sensor module 102 may be mounted on the underside of the skateboard, in a void between a skateboard wheel axle (i.e., truck) and the skateboard itself. In other embodiments, the sensor module 102 may be coupled to a top or bottom surface of the board, contained within the board, or coupled to a wheel axle (i.e., truck) in a releasable or non-releasable manner.

For surfing, sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to determine, for example, when certain maneuvers are successfully performed, such as, for example, riding waves, executing turns or cutbacks, carving, floating, or tube riding. In one embodiment, the sensor module 102 may be mounted on a top or bottom surface of the surfboard, contained within the surfboard, or placed in a void in the surfboard, in a releasable or non-releasable manner.

In another embodiment of the present invention, sensor module 102 embodiments such as those described above may enable an individual 100, coach, teammate, or a spectator to analyze the individual's 100 strength and flexibility workout movements or exercises. For example, in one embodiment, an individual 100 or a piece of athletic equipment 108 used by the individual 100 during strength and flexibility workouts may carry a sensor module 102 that is capable of tracking, for example, sit-ups, push-ups, lunges, jumping-jacks, pull-ups, squats, dips, and/or calf raises. The sensor module 102 may be capable of being used to determine whether these movements are being done correctly and/or how many repetitions of each movement were conducted.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor module 102 may be capable of compensating for inherent deficiencies that may be present for various types of sensor contained within or in communication with the sensor module 102. Most real world sensors have limitations. For example, accelerometers, magnetometers, and gyroscopes may have accuracy issues, particularly when used at speeds of motion of the object 104 or under other conditions that differ from their initial calibration conditions.

In some systems, if sensor data, such as acceleration sensor 116 or magnetic field sensor 118 data, is temporarily lost or otherwise unavailable, the data from the unavailable sensor is not used in subsequent processing or calculations. In other systems, lost data may be estimated by “straight line” methods where, for example, it is assumed that the data stays constant or changes at a constant rate. However, in some embodiments of the present invention sensor data, such as one of acceleration sensor 116 or magnetic field sensor 118 data may be used to compensate for and/or estimate the changes in the other of acceleration sensor 116 or magnetic field sensor 118 data based on known, derived, or estimate correlations between the two types of data, or data extrapolation.

By combining the data produced by, for example, acceleration sensor 116 and a magnetic field sensor 118, systems and methods according to embodiments of the present invention are able to more accurately determine absolute data values or activity metrics even when data from one of the acceleration sensor 116 or the magnetic field sensor 118 is lost for any reason. Using the data that is not missing, the system can continue to provide data values or activity metrics to fill in the “holes” until the missing data is regained or otherwise again sampled.

In other embodiments of the present invention, angular momentum sensor 124 data, such as gyroscope data, may be used in combination with one or more of acceleration sensor 116 or magnetic field sensor 118 data for data calibration and/or extrapolation.

In some embodiments of the present invention, calibration and/or generation of correction factor data for a acceleration sensor 116 or magnetic field sensor 118-based sensor modules 102 may be performed under a variety of different use conditions, e.g., calibration data or correction factors may be generated for use at different movement speeds, for use with an individual's 100 body 106, with a piece of athletic equipment 108, for use in different sports, for use under different wind conditions, for use under different court or field conditions, etc. Moreover, this variety of correction factors and/or calibration data may be collected, in the background, over time, as the individual 100 continues using the system. In this manner, a “lookup table” or other “universe” or library of calibration data or correction factors may be built up and stored in the monitoring system (optionally in the portable portion of the system), such that an appropriate correction factor could be generated and applied for a full range of individual 100 or athletic equipment 108 speeds and/or other use conditions.

A microprocessor provided with the system (optionally in the portable portion of the system, in the personal computer, etc.) may be programmed to interpolate between and/or extrapolate from known calibration or correction factors to arrive at the most appropriate calibration or correction factor for use at any speed or other use condition(s). Also, in this manner, different calibration or correction factors may be applied at different times during a single athletic performance, e.g., based on the speed or other use conditions determined at a given time during the performance, to further help improve the overall accuracy of the speed and distance monitor. By having a variety of correction or calibration factors available under different performance conditions, the sensor module 102 will tend to become more accurate, particularly over time and with increased use, because of the increased number of calibration and correction factors generated with increased use.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module 102 may be affected by perturbations in local magnetic fields, such as the earth's magnetic field. Perturbation can be caused, for example, by objects with ferromagnetic structures. In some embodiments, the local magnetic field may be more variable at certain distances near the surface of the earth than at other distances further away from the earth. For example, the local magnetic field may be more variable or perturbed within approximately six feet of the surface of the earth than at more than approximately six feet away from the surface of the earth. Accordingly, in some embodiments, magnetic field sensor 118 data obtained from an object 104 when the object 104 is more than approximately six feet away from the surface of the earth may be used to extrapolate or otherwise estimate proper or likely magnetic field sensor 118 data from when the object 104 was within approximately six feet of the surface of the earth, if the magnetic field sensor 118 data from when the object 104 was within approximately six feet of the surface of the earth is otherwise deemed to be unreliable due to the relatively high variability in local magnetic fields, such as the earth's magnetic field, near the surface of the earth.

In some embodiments, a magnetic field sensor 118 may obtain data about the movement of the object 104 at a first time when the magnetic field sensor 118 is significantly influenced by a perturbed magnetic field. Then obtain data about the movement of the object 104 at a second time when the magnetic field sensor 118 is not significantly influenced by a perturbed magnetic field. After this data is captured, the sensor module 102 may determine that the data about the movement of the object 104 at the first time is not acceptable, and may estimate data about the movement of the object 104 at the first time based on the data about the movement of the object at the second time.

In various embodiments of the present invention described above, an individual 100 (or another interested person such as a coach, teammate, or spectator) may obtain information about the motion of the individual's 100 body 106 or the motion of a piece of the individual's 100 athletic equipment 108 during the course of the athletic activity. Once an activity metric or specific athletic movement has been identified by the monitoring system 10, to the extent that the activity metric or specific athletic movement was not entirely optimal/correct, the system 10 may further be employed to train or coach the user to improve their activity metric or specific athletic movement in the future. Determinations of what activity metric value or specific athletic movement characteristic is optimal/correct may be made automatically by the system 10 based on predetermined values, algorithms, or other data stored in a database, look-up table, or the like, or the determination may be made by a live trainer, coach, the individual 100 themselves, or another interested person with access to the activity metric value or specific athletic movement data.

For example, in embodiments where the monitored object 104 is a soccer ball, where the change in the spatial orientation of the ball resulting from a kick is used to determine, for example, a launch angle of the ball, a rate of rotation of the ball, launch speed, estimated speed, or similar metrics, these determinations may be used by the system 10 to help the individual 100 improve their launch angle, a rate of rotation, or launch speed in future kicks. Methods used to achieve improvements may be, for example, providing cross-training workouts or drills to the individual, providing soccer-specific workouts or drills to the individual, or prescribing a number of other training regimens.

As a further example, in embodiments where the monitored object 104 is the chest of an individual 100 playing basketball, and the change in the spatial orientation of the individual's 100 chest during a jump shot is used to determine a jump height or jump force, these determinations may be used by the system 10 to help the individual 100 improve their jump shots and/or jump height/force. Methods used to achieve improvements may be, for example, providing cross-training workouts or drills to the individual, providing basketball-specific workouts or drills to the individual, or prescribing a number of other training regimens.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the monitoring system 10 may also include or interact with an interactive retail system. The interactive retail system could be, for example, presented to an individual 100 via a screen on the individual's 100 portable electronic device 206. The interactive retail system could provide a platform for selecting and/or ordering products offered by the provider of the system. Based on the activity metric or specific athletic movement provided by the monitoring system 10, and/or based on any training or coaching provided, as described above, the interactive retail system could suggest specific products or product lines that may be helpful to the individual 100 in improving their future performance. In some embodiments, personal data about the individual stored by the monitoring system 10 may also be used in making the determination of suitable products or product lines.

For example, a soccer player trying to improve her shots may receive a recommendation for a new pair of soccer cleats, while a basketball player trying to improve his jumping ability may receive a recommendation for a new pair of basketball shoes. These recommendations may ultimately be based on data derived from monitoring the individuals 100 body 106, and/or from monitoring the individual's 100 athletic equipment 108. For example, a source of inadequate performance may be the individual's 100 performance or it may be that the individual's 100 current equipment 108 has worn out. In some embodiments, the individual 100 may be provided with the option to purchase the new product at the time of receiving the any training or coaching provided.

In one embodiment, the activity metric or specific athletic movement data and/or any training or coaching provided may be used for the online customization of certain products. For example, this data can be used to customize an article of footwear, an article of compression clothing, a helmet, or other piece of clothing or athletic equipment to enable toe clothing or other equipment to help the individual 100 in improving their future performance. In some embodiments, customized products may have an individual styles, varied materials, or different accessories for the individual 100 to choose from.

In some embodiments, certain products or product lines may be “unlocked” for individuals 100 to purchase only after the individual 100 achieve certain milestones for performance or improvement such as certain levels of an activity metric or certain mastery of a specific athletic movement.

In some embodiments, as noted above, sensor module 102 of monitoring system 10 can be mounted in an object 104, which can be a piece of athletic equipment 108 such as, for example, ball 500. In some embodiments, multiple sensor modules 102 can be mounted in ball 500 (e.g., one sensor module having axes at one or more oblique angles to another sensor module). Ball 500 may be any ball, such as, for example, a ball typically used in an athletic activity, such as, for example, a soccer ball, a basketball, a baseball, an American football, a rugby ball, a tennis ball, a table tennis ball, a bowling ball, a golf ball, a billiards ball, a croquet ball, a marble, a tetherball, or a beach ball. Monitoring system 10 including sensor module 102 mounted to ball 500 is referred to as monitoring system 20. Sensor module 102 can be mounted to ball 500 using any suitable technique. For example, sensor module 102 may be affixed to an exterior or interior surface of ball 500, may be mounted within ball 500 using a harness system (e.g., suspended away from an inner wall of ball 500, for example at the center of ball 500), or may be embedded in a material of ball 500. Exemplary techniques that can be employed to mount sensor module 102 to ball 500 are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,740,551, filed Nov. 18, 2009, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

In some embodiments, sensor module 102 can be activated (i.e., enter an active state) in response to sensing an activation motion of ball 500. In some embodiments, the activation motion may be, for example, motion in response to a kick of ball 500 (e.g., an acceleration impulse sensed above a threshold, or a drop in sensed acceleration to near zero). In some embodiments, the activation motion may be, for example, a kick of throw resulting in travel by ball 500 of at least a threshold distance or height (e.g., 2 meters) (e.g., an acceleration sensed to correspond to such motion). In some embodiments, the activation motion may be, for example, a sequence of motions (e.g., motion in response to a kick of ball 500 followed by travel by ball 500 of at least a threshold distance or height). Upon activation, sensor module 102 begins to store (e.g., in memory 114) and/or transfer sensed data to a remote device, as described herein. In some embodiments, in an active state, sensor module 102 may continuously sense data (e.g., acceleration data (data representative of acceleration) is determined by acceleration sensor 116 of sensor module 102 and magnetic field data (data representative of a magnetic field) is determined by magnetic field sensor 118 of sensor module 102). In some embodiments, data is sensed by sensor module 102 periodically (e.g., every 50 milliseconds (ms), every 10 ms, every 1 ms).

In some embodiments, sensor module 102 can be deactivated (e.g., enter a low-power standby state, detecting acceleration at a low frequency relative to the active state) in response to sensing no motion of sensor module 102 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 minutes). In some embodiments, sensor module 102 can be deactivated in response to sensing a deactivation motion of ball 500. In some embodiments, the deactivation motion may be, for example, any of the motions described above as an activation motion. In some embodiments, a deactivation motion may be the same as an activation motion. In some embodiments, a deactivation motion may be different from an activation motion.

In some embodiments, data sensed by sensor module 102 may be time-correlated (e.g., stored in association with time data representing the time at which the data was sensed). The time at which data is sensed can be provided via timer 134. In operation, sensor module 102 of monitoring system 20 senses and processes signals as described herein to output representations of activity metrics of ball 500. In some embodiments, representations of activity metrics can be output to, for example, a display device (e.g., a display of personal computer 204, portable electronic device 206, or sensor module 102).

Sensor module 102 can be powered by any suitable technique, including those described herein. For example, sensor module 102 can be powered by charging via a charging base 502 (see, e.g., FIG. 18). For example, power source 112 of sensor module 102 may be powered by inductive charging, in which case an inductive coil may be mounted in ball 500 and coupled to power source 112 of sensor module 102. In some embodiments the inductive coil may receive power from an inductive charging device (e.g., charging base 502) when ball 500 is placed so that the inductive coil is sufficiently close to an inductive coil charging device. In some embodiments, ball 500 has exterior markings (e.g., marking 504) to indicate the location of the inductive coil, to facilitate optimum orientation of ball 500 (i.e., the orientation having the inductive coil closest to the inductive coil charging device). In some embodiments, sensor module 102 is coupled to a visual indicator, such as, for example, an externally-visible light emitting diode (LED) that gives an indication (e.g., LED emits light, light emitted by LED changes color, speed of LED blinking changes) of the strength of charge being received through the inductive coil, to facilitate optimum orientation of ball 500.

In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 including sensor module 102 mounted in ball 500 can be used to determine a variety of activity metrics about ball 500 (and/or an individual 100 interacting with ball 500), including characteristics relating to motion of ball 500. For example, monitoring system 20 can be used to determine trajectory of ball 500, launch angle of ball 500, rotation rate of ball 500, orientation of rotation plane of ball 500, orientation of rotation axis of ball 500, travel speed of ball 500, launch speed of ball 500, force of a kick or other impact on ball 500, distance of travel of ball 500, and maximum acceleration of ball 500. Monitoring system 20 can perform operations as described herein to determine such activity metrics using any suitable components. For example, sensing operations, as described, may be carried out by a sensor of sensor module 102 of monitoring system 20 (e.g., acceleration sensor 116 or magnetic field sensor 118, as appropriate). Also for example, operations involving processing of data (e.g., identifying, determining, calculating, storing) may be carried out by processor 110 of sensor module 102, or by a processor of any other device of or in communication with monitoring system 20 (e.g., server 202, personal computer 204, or portable electronic device 206).

In some embodiments, calibration data is sensed by sensor module 102 when ball 500 is in a calibration state. In some embodiments, ball 500 is in a calibration state when ball 500 is stationary (e.g., with respect to an external coordinate system (i.e., a coordinate system independent of sensor module 102), such as, for example, coordinate system 600 (depicted in FIG. 19), for a period of time (e.g., 10 ms or longer)). In some embodiments, ball 500 can be considered stationary when sensor module 102 of ball 500 senses resultant acceleration of about 1G (i.e., resultant acceleration within a threshold tolerance of 1G, for example, within 5% of 1G). In some embodiments ball 500 can be considered stationary at times while being handled by an individual. For example, ball 500 can be stationary for a period of time within a period of time in which a basketball player takes a jump shot with ball 500 (e.g., before release of ball 500 from the hands of the individual, ball 500 can be considered stationary, where resultant acceleration sensed by sensor module 102 is about 1G). Also for example, ball 500 can be stationary for a period of time within a period of time in which a baseball player performs a throw of ball 500 (e.g., a period of time spanning the transition from rearward motion to forward motion of the individual's throwing motion, where resultant acceleration sensed by sensor module 102 is about 1G).

Ball 500 (including sensor module 102) is depicted in the calibration state at time t₀₀ in FIG. 20. Ball 500 may be in the calibration state at any point relative to an athletic activity (e.g., before, during, or after an athletic activity). In some embodiments, ball 500 is determined to be in a calibration state, and calibration data can be sensed, each time ball 500 is stationary for more than a threshold duration (e.g., 1 second). In some embodiments, ball 500 is determined to be in a calibration state, and calibration data can be sensed, each time ball 500 is stationary.

In some embodiments, in the calibration state acceleration sensor 116 of sensor module 102 senses acceleration data. In some embodiments magnetic field sensor 118 of sensor module 102 senses magnetic field data (e.g., data relating to the magnetic field of the Earth). In some embodiments, calibration data includes both acceleration data and magnetic field data. In some embodiments, calibration data includes one of acceleration data and magnetic field data.

In some embodiments, in the calibration state, the acceleration data sensed by acceleration sensor 116 of sensor module 102 is acceleration due to gravity, which can be used by monitoring system 20 to determine one or both of orientation of acceleration due to gravity with respect to sensor module 102 and magnitude of acceleration due to gravity at sensor module 102 (together, gravity vector 302).

In some embodiments, in the calibration state, magnetic field sensor 118 of sensor module 102 senses one or both of orientation of a magnetic field with respect to sensor module 102 and magnitude of the magnetic field at sensor module 102 (together, magnetic field vector 304).

In some embodiments sensor module 102 senses calibration data that is to be relied upon for one or more subsequent calculations. In some embodiments the calibration data sensed when sensor module 102 is in the calibration state can be used to establish external coordinate system 600. In some embodiments external coordinate system 600 can be established by reference to the orientation of gravity vector 302 (e.g., to establish the direction of “down,” since gravity is known to cause downward acceleration). In some embodiments external coordinate system 600 can be established by reference to the orientation of magnetic field vector 304 (e.g., to establish a constant reference direction, since the magnetic field will typically be appreciably constant over the area of a typical play area for an athletic activity). In some embodiments external coordinate system 600 can be established by reference to the orientation of gravity vector 302 and the orientation of magnetic field vector 304.

During motion of ball 500 (e.g., after ball 500 is kicked or hit) ball 500 may move in any or all of six degrees of freedom—three linear degrees: (1) up/down (e.g., along the Y axis in external coordinate system 600), (2) left/right (e.g., along the X axis in external coordinate system 600), and (3) backward/forward (e.g., along the Z axis in external coordinate system 600); and three rotational degrees: (1) yaw (e.g., in the angular α direction in external coordinate system 600), (2) roll (e.g., in the angular β direction in external coordinate system 600), and (3) pitch (e.g., in the angular γ direction in external coordinate system 600).

Individual 100 or other person may desire to know activity metrics of ball 500, for example, to learn the effects that actions of individual 100 have on ball 500 (e.g., a kick or throw of ball 500 by individual 100). Monitoring system 20 may determine such activity metrics (e.g., trajectory of ball 500, launch angle of ball 500, rotation rate of ball 500, orientation of rotation plane of ball 500, orientation of rotation axis of ball 500, travel speed of ball 500, launch speed of ball 500, force of a kick or other impact on ball 500, distance of travel of ball 500, and maximum acceleration of ball 500). Sensor module 102 may output data representative of such activity metrics (e.g., to a display device of personal computer 204 or portable electronic device 206). Such data may be outputted from sensor module 102 in raw form (e.g., unprocessed signals from acceleration sensor 116 and/or magnetic field sensor 118) or in representative form (e.g., data that results from processing signals from acceleration sensor 116 and/or magnetic field sensor 118). In some embodiments monitoring system 20 outputs a representation of one or more activity metrics in a manner perceivable by individual 100 and/or other person.

Data representative of such activity metrics can be processed and/or output in any suitable manner, such as, for example, those described herein.

As noted herein, in some embodiments monitoring system 20 can determine and/or output a representation of instantaneous trajectory 606 of ball 500 over a period of time or at a particular point in time (the instantaneous trajectory being a representation of the direction of motion of ball 500 in motion). In some embodiments monitoring system 20 can determine and/or output a representation of launch angle 604 of ball 500. In some embodiments launch angle 604 can be determined to correspond to instantaneous trajectory 606 of ball 500 at a point in time sufficiently close to initiation of motion of ball 500 (e.g., shortly after ball 500 has been kicked or hit). In some embodiments initiation of motion of ball 500 is determined based on a sensed impulse acceleration exceeding a threshold. In some embodiments, launch angle 604 can be determined to correspond to instantaneous trajectory 606 of ball 500 less than 150 ms (e.g., 100 ms to 150 ms) after initiation of motion of ball 500. In some embodiments, launch angle 604 can be determined to correspond to instantaneous trajectory 606 of ball 500 at the earliest time after initiation of motion of ball 500 at which acceleration magnitude can be sensed. In some embodiments, this time may immediately follow a period of less reliable data output by acceleration sensor 116 (where such data output is less reliable than data output by acceleration sensor 116 at other times). Such less reliable data output may be the result of, for example, a disturbance (e.g., railing) in sensed acceleration data (e.g., due to sudden change in acceleration, for example, upon an impact) or gain saturation of the acceleration sensor signal (e.g., a period during which the acceleration sensor outputs its maximum acceleration signal, because acceleration is higher than the maximum acceleration it can sense), which may result from, for example, the high initial acceleration of ball 500 in reaction to an impact (e.g., a kick, a throw, a shot). In some embodiments, such less reliable acceleration data output may be experienced for a time (e.g., 100-150 ms) after impact of a kick (e.g., about 10 ms for the duration of kick impact, and about 90 ms to 140 ms after impact).

Launch angle 604 can correspond to instantaneous trajectory 606 as the angle of the vertical component of the direction of travel of ball 500 in free flight sufficiently close to initiation of motion of ball 500. In some embodiments, free flight is determined based on acceleration data. Immediately upon entering free flight (e.g., upon ball 500 being thrown or kicked), acceleration data sensed by acceleration sensor 116 shows resultant acceleration of less than 1G (i.e., less than the acceleration due to gravity). For example, resultant acceleration may drop from 1G (e.g., in a stationary or non-free flight state) to 0.5G (e.g., in free flight). The time at which this drop takes place can be determined as the initiation of free flight. Continued free flight can be determined while resultant acceleration remains below 1G. In some embodiments, the magnitude of acceleration due to gravity can be predefined, or can be determined based on acceleration data sensed while ball 500 is stationary (e.g., in a calibration state).

The closer to initiation of motion that the angle of the vertical component of the direction of travel of ball 500 in free flight is determined, the more representative of launch angle it may be. Beyond initiation of motion, the angle of the vertical component of the direction of travel of ball 500 in free flight may change (e.g., decrease). In some embodiments, this change can be compensated for using a formula based on the instantaneous trajectory, speed (see below), and time (after initiation of motion), to increase the accuracy of the launch angle determination. In some embodiments, the path of ball 500 during a period of gain saturation (i.e., while the acceleration sensor is railed) can be determined based on magnetic field data sensed during that time. In some embodiments the launch angle at the moment of impact can be determined based on this path.

In some embodiments, instantaneous trajectory 606 (and/or launch angle 604) of ball 500 can be determined based on one or more of acceleration data and magnetic field data (e.g., sensed by acceleration sensor 116 and/or magnetic field sensor 118) at a first, earlier time, and one or more of acceleration data and magnetic field data (e.g., sensed by acceleration sensor 116 and magnetic field sensor 118) at a second, later time. In some embodiments, at the first time ball 500 is stationary (e.g., in a calibration state), and at the second time ball 500 is in motion (e.g., motion of ball 500 is initiated between the first time and the second time).

In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, an external coordinate system (e.g., external coordinate system 600) is determined at a first time (see, e.g., operation 510, FIG. 21), where ball 500 is in a calibration state at the first time. In some embodiments the orientation of an internal coordinate system fixed with reference to sensor module 102 (e.g., internal coordinate system 650) is determined relative to external coordinate system 600 (see, e.g., operation 512, FIG. 21). For ease of description, internal coordinate system 650 is described herein to align with external coordinate system 600 at the first time, but it should be understood that internal coordinate system 650 need not align with external coordinate system 600 (e.g., internal coordinate system 650 may be established by an angular offset from external coordinate system 600), and that internal coordinate system 600 need not be characterized by traditional coordinate components, but may be characterized simply by some reference establishing the relative orientation of sensor module 102 with respect to the external coordinate system (e.g., external coordinate system 600). Components of internal coordinate system 650 are designated in the figures as X′ (e.g., left/right), Y′ (e.g., up/down), Z′ (e.g., backward/forward), α′ (e.g., yaw), β′ (e.g., roll), and γ (e.g., pitch), and changes in the coordinate components are designated as ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ, Δα, Δβ, and Δγ, respectively (see, e.g., FIG. 20).

For example, as depicted in, FIG. 19, in some embodiments acceleration sensor 116 is used to determine the orientation of gravity vector 302 with respect to sensor module 102 (i.e., with respect to internal coordinate system 650) at the first time (see, e.g., operation 524, FIG. 21), and in some embodiments magnetic field sensor 118 is used to determine the orientation of magnetic field vector 304 with respect to sensor module 102 at the first time (see, e.g., operation 526, FIG. 21). In some embodiments, the orientation of internal coordinate system 650 with respect to external coordinate system 600 can be determined based on one or both of gravity vector 302 and magnetic field vector 304 (see, e.g., operation 512, FIG. 21). In this way an initial orientation of ball 500 can be determined based on the initial orientation of sensor module 102 (including internal coordinate system 650) within external coordinate system 600.

In some embodiments, for example, see FIG. 20, rotation (e.g., three-dimensional rotation) of ball 500 is sensed and measured between the first time and a second time (see, e.g., operation 514, FIG. 21), where ball 500 is in motion at the second time (e.g., shortly after motion is initiated, such as, for example, 100 ms after motion is detected). In some embodiments, such rotation can be output by monitoring system 20 and/or used by monitoring system 20 for further operations.

For example, in some embodiments the change in orientation of ball 500 between the first time and the second time is determined based on magnetic field data sensed by magnetic field sensor 118 from the first time to the second time. For example, the change in orientation of ball 500 between the first time and the second time may be expressed by the angular difference of axes X′, Y′, and Z′ between the first time and the second time with respect to external coordinate system 600 (depicted as Δα, Δβ, and Δγ).

Also for example, in some embodiments the change in position of ball 500 between the first time and the second time can be determined based on acceleration data sensed by acceleration sensor 116 and/or magnetic field data sensed by magnetic field sensor 118 from the first time to the second time. In some embodiments, such change in position can be output by monitoring system 20 and/or used by monitoring system 20 for further operations.

For example, the change in position of ball 500 between the first time and the second time may be expressed by the linear difference in position of sensor module 102 along of axes X, Y, and Z between the first time and the second time with respect to external coordinate system 600 (depicted as ΔX, ΔY, and ΔZ).

In some embodiments, at the second time acceleration sensor 116 of sensor module 102 senses one or both of orientation of acceleration (i.e., the acceleration direction) of sensor module 102 (and thus ball 500) with respect to sensor 102 and magnitude of acceleration of sensor module 102 (together, a resultant acceleration vector 602) (see, e.g., operation 516, FIG. 21). In some embodiments, the acceleration sensed by sensor module 102 is substantially entirely due to the effects of drag (i.e., deceleration due to a drag force) on ball 500. (In some embodiments acceleration sensor 116 is an inertial system, and thus does not sense acceleration due to gravity when in free flight.)

It is known that the direction of motion of a moving body is opposite to the direction of drag force applied to the moving body. In some embodiments monitoring system 20 determines the relative (i.e., with respect to sensor module 102) direction of motion of ball 500 to be opposite to the direction of resultant acceleration vector 602 (see, e.g., operation 518, FIG. 21).

In some embodiments, to determine the absolute (i.e., with respect to the external coordinate system) direction of motion of ball 500 (e.g., instantaneous trajectory 606), monitoring system 20 subtracts the angle of rotation of ball 500 between the first time and the second time from the relative direction of motion of ball 500 (see, e.g., operation 520, FIG. 21).

In some embodiments, to determine launch angle 604 of ball 500, monitoring system 20 determines the angle of the vertical component of the absolute direction of motion of ball 500, which is determined to correspond to launch angle 604 of ball 500 (see, e.g., operation 522, FIG. 21).

As noted herein, in some embodiments monitoring system 20 can determine and/or output a representation of rotation rate 610 of ball 500 (see, e.g., FIG. 22). Rotation rate is a measure of the angular velocity (w) at which ball 500 rotates, and can be expressed, for example, as the number of revolutions of ball 500 per unit time, or the angular change of ball 500 per unit time. In some embodiments, rotation rate 610 can be determined based on magnetic field data sensed by magnetic field sensor 118.

In some embodiments, to determine rotation rate of ball 500, sensor module 102 of rotating ball 500 can sense magnetic field data via magnetic field sensor 118 for a period of time (see, e.g., operation 540, FIG. 23). In some embodiments monitoring system 20 can apply a Fourier transform to the sensed magnetic field data (a time domain representation). This results in a representation of the frequency of rotation of ball 500 (a frequency domain representation), that is, a representation of its rotation rate (see, e.g., operation 542, FIG. 23).

In some embodiments, to determine rotation rate of ball 500, sensor module 102 of rotating ball 500 can sense acceleration data via acceleration sensor 116 at a first time (e.g., t₁, see FIG. 27) and at a second time (e.g., t₂, see FIG. 27). Between the first time and the second time, ball 500 (including sensor module 102) rotates. Acceleration data sensed at the first time and the second time is a resultant acceleration vector created due to drag forces acting on ball 500. In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 normalizes the resultant acceleration vector at each of the first time and the second time (e.g., so that the resultant acceleration vector is between −1 and 1). Such normalization can provide a true orientation in space of the resultant acceleration vector. This normalization is performed on data from all (e.g., all three) axes of acceleration sensor 116 (such that the sum of the squares of the normalized values will always be 1). In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 determines the angle of each axis at the first time and at the second time by denormalizing the magnitude of the normalized value (e.g., calculating the cosine or arccosine of the value). In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 determines the change in each angle between the first time and the second time. In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 determines the rate of rotation based on the change in angle between the first time and the second time and the elapsed time between the first time and the second time.

In some embodiments, to determine rotation rate of ball 500, sensor module 102 of rotating ball 500 can sense acceleration data via acceleration sensor 116 for a period of time (see, e.g., operation 544, FIG. 24). In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can identify a repeating portion of the sensed acceleration data (e.g., the orientation of acceleration with respect to sensor module 102) (see, e.g., operation 546, FIG. 24). In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can identify a repeating portion of the sensed acceleration data by identifying successive similar orientations of such acceleration data (e.g., repeating peaks in data output representative of the orientation of acceleration) with respect to sensor module 102 (see, e.g., operation 554, FIG. 24). In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine the time period of a repeating portion of sensed acceleration data (e.g., the elapsed time between successive similar orientations of such acceleration data), which can represent the time period for a single revolution of ball 500 (see, e.g., operation 548, FIG. 24). In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can calculate the inverse of the time period for a single revolution of ball 500 (see, e.g., operation 550, FIG. 24) and can determine this value to be the rotation rate of ball 500 (see, e.g., operation 552, FIG. 24).

As described above, monitoring system 20 can determine rotation rate of ball 500 using magnetic field data alone, or acceleration data alone. In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can separately determine rotation rate of ball 500 using both acceleration data and magnetic field data. In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine rotation rate of ball 500 using acceleration data where magnetic field data is unreliable (e.g., due to interference or other perturbation), or vice versa.

As noted herein, in some embodiments monitoring system 20 can determine and/or output a representation of the orientation of rotation of ball 500, which may be represented the angle 622 (e.g., having components 622 a, 622 b) of the axis of rotation 620 of ball 500 and/or the angle 626 (e.g., having components 626 a, 626 b) of the plane of rotation 624 of ball 500 (see, e.g., FIG. 22). Axis of rotation 620 is an axis through ball 500 about which ball 500 rotates. Plane of rotation 624 is a plane orthogonal to axis of rotation 620. Angles 622, 626 can be expressed with respect to external coordinate system 600. In some embodiments, angles 622, 626 can be determined based on acceleration data sensed by acceleration sensor 116 and magnetic field data sensed by magnetic field sensor 118.

In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine one or both of angles 622, 626 by sensing orientation of resultant acceleration vector 602 with respect to sensor module 102 at a first time (e.g., t₁) (see, e.g., operation 556, FIG. 25) and at a second time (e.g., t₂, where the second time may be 20-30 ms after the first time) (see, e.g., operation 558, FIG. 25). See, for example, FIGS. 26 and 27, wherein arrows 640 show the direction of rotation of ball 500. In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine the orientation (with respect to sensor module 102) of the plane defined between the orientation of resultant acceleration vector 602 with respect to ball 500 at the first time (602 a) and the orientation of resultant acceleration vector 602 with respect to ball 500 at the second time (602 b) (see, e.g., operation 560, FIG. 25). In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can define this plane to be the plane of rotation 624 of ball 500 (see, e.g., FIG. 26) (see, e.g., operation 562, FIG. 25). In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine the angle between plane of rotation 624 and the orientation of gravity vector 302 with respect to sensor module 102 (determined, for example, as described herein) (see, e.g., operation 564, FIG. 25). In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can calculate angles 622, 626 based on the angle between plane of rotation 624 and the orientation of gravity vector 302 using, for example, trigonometric calculations (see, e.g., operation 566, FIG. 25).

As noted herein, in some embodiments monitoring system 20 can determine and/or output a representation of travel speed of ball 500. Speed is a measure of the rate of change of the position of ball 500, and can be expressed as the magnitude of a velocity vector 630 of ball 500 (see, e.g., FIG. 28). Speed of ball 500 can be determined based on acceleration data sensed by acceleration sensor 116 while ball 500 is in motion. Speed of ball 500 can be determined for any time ball 500 is in free flight. In some embodiments, speed is calculated shortly after initiation of motion (e.g., 50 ms after being kicked) in order to determine a near-maximum speed of ball 500 in response to the initiation of motion.

In some embodiments, ball 500 is determined to be in free flight at a given time (see, e.g., operation 530, FIG. 29). While in free flight, acceleration sensor 116 of sensor module 102 may sense magnitude of acceleration of sensor module 102 (and thus ball 500) with respect to sensor module 102 (see, e.g., operation 532, FIG. 29). The magnitude of acceleration can be expressed as the magnitude of a resultant acceleration vector 632 (see, e.g., FIG. 28). In some embodiments, the acceleration sensed by sensor module 102 is substantially entirely due to the effects of drag (i.e., deceleration due to a drag force) on ball 500.

It is known that the direction of motion of a moving body is opposite to the direction of drag force applied to the moving body. Thus, in some embodiments the magnitude of acceleration sensed by acceleration sensor 116 of sensor module 102 is the magnitude of acceleration in the direction of motion of ball 500. In some embodiments the magnitude of acceleration sensed by acceleration sensor 116 of sensor module 102 is determined to be the magnitude of acceleration in the direction of motion of ball 500 (see, e.g., operation 534, FIG. 29).

Speed of ball 500 in motion can be expressed as a function of the magnitude of acceleration of ball 500. This functional relationship can be influenced by physical characteristics of ball 500 (e.g., mass, size, surface area, surface texture, material, shape, panel shape, moment of inertia), and thus may vary for balls of different construction. This functional relationship can also be influenced by environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, local pressure), indications of which may be received by monitoring system 20 from suitable environmental sensors (e.g., coupled to ball 500, incorporated into sensor module 102, coupled to a remote device) or input by a user (e.g., individual 100) via an interface of monitoring system 20 (e.g., an input of personal computer 204 or portable electronic device 206, such as, for example, a keyboard, microphone, or touchscreen). This functional relationship can also be influenced by dynamic characteristics of ball 500 such as, for example, rotation of ball 500 (e.g., rotation rate and/or rotation angle), which can impart a Magnus effect on ball 500, influencing its speed (a Magnus effect can cause a curve or bend in the trajectory of ball 500).

For a given ball 500 (and balls of the same or sufficiently similar construction), this functional relationship may be established by calculation (e.g., the relation between drag force and speed of a spherical object in free flight is speed=constant*log(drag)+constant), experimentation, or both, and may be expressed and/or stored as a data structure within monitoring system 20, for example, as an algorithm (e.g., f(acceleration)=speed), as a graphical curve (e.g., curve 634), or as a lookup table (e.g., table 636).

In some embodiments, the functional relationship can be established (or augmented) by a user (e.g., individual 100) of ball 500. For example, individual 100 may set ball 500 on the ground a distance from a wall (or other object or structure). Individual 100 may input the distance into monitoring system 20 via an interface thereof. Individual 100 may then kick ball 500 at the wall. Sensor module 102 may sense the time of initiation of free flight of ball 500 as ball 500 is impacted by individual's 100 foot. Sensor module 102 may then sense the time ball 500 makes contact with the wall (e.g., by an abrupt change (e.g., a drop to about zero) in resultant acceleration). The distance traveled divided by the time of travel can be used to determine a representation of the speed of ball 500 for the measured kick. Resultant acceleration (i.e., drag) can be sensed for the measured kick). Individual 100 may perform such operations multiple times, at the same or different distances, to establish an experimental data set, which can be used to derive a representation of the functional relationship between drag force and speed of the ball 500 in free flight. This representation of the functional relationship can be stored as a data structure within monitoring system 20 and subsequently referred to in order to determine speed of ball 500 based on measured acceleration data (as described above).

Once the magnitude of acceleration of ball 500 is sensed by acceleration sensor 116 of sensor module 102, monitoring system 20 compares the magnitude of acceleration of ball 500 to a data structure expressing the functional relationship between magnitude of acceleration and speed for the given ball 500 (see, e.g., operation 536, FIG. 29), to determine speed of ball 500 (i.e., the speed that corresponds to the sensed acceleration magnitude in the data structure expressing the functional relationship) (see, e.g., operation 538, FIG. 29).

FIG. 30 depicts a display 590 (which, in some embodiments, may be a display of any element described herein, such as, for example, sensor module 102, portable electronic device 206, personal computer 204, group monitoring device 270) showing an exemplary representation of a graphical curve 634 representing a functional relationship between magnitude of acceleration and speed for a given ball 500. FIG. 31 depicts display 590 showing an exemplary representation of a table 636 representing a functional relationship between magnitude of acceleration and speed for a given ball 500. Graphical curve 634 and table 636 can each be relied upon by monitoring system 20 to determine speed of ball 500, given the magnitude of acceleration of ball 500. For example, given a magnitude of acceleration of A, both graphical curve 634 and table 636 show a speed of B, and given a magnitude of acceleration of C, both graphical curve 634 and table 636 show a speed of D. In some embodiments, if a given value for magnitude of acceleration does not have a corresponding magnitude of acceleration in the expression of the functional relationship (e.g., graphical curve 634 or table 636), the speed may be determined by known techniques of mathematical approximation, such as, for example, rounding or interpolation.

In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine and/or output a representation of a flight time of ball 500. In some embodiments, flight time can be determined based on acceleration data. For example, flight time can correspond to a period during which acceleration data sensed by acceleration sensor 116 shows resultant acceleration of less than 1G. For example, sensor module 102 may determine the time at which ball 500 enters free flight (e.g., monitoring system 20 may determine a flight initiation time corresponding to the time at which resultant acceleration drops below 1G, may determine a flight termination time corresponding to the time at which resultant acceleration returns to 1G, may calculate the elapsed time between the flight initiation time and the flight termination time, and may determine the elapsed time to be a flight time of ball 500.

In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine and/or output a representation of distance of travel of ball 500. In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine distance of travel of ball 500 for a flight of ball 500 based on acceleration data. In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine distance of travel based on flight time of ball 500 (which can be determined as described above) and travel speed of ball 500 (which can be determined as described above) during the flight time (e.g., monitoring system 20 can determine the average speed of ball 500 during flight). For example, monitoring system 20 can determine distance of travel for a flight of ball 500 by multiplying average velocity during the flight by the flight time.

In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine a trajectory model (i.e., path of flight) for an instance of free flight of ball 500, and may calculate the distance traversed by ball 500. In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine the trajectory model based on conditions (e.g., activity metrics) of ball 500 (e.g., conditions at initiation of flight of ball 500, and/or at a point in time thereafter). In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine the trajectory model based on speed of ball 500, launch angle of ball 500, rotation plane of ball 500, and rotation rate of ball 500, each of which can be determined, for example, as described herein. Monitoring system 20 can calculate the distance traveled by ball 500 based on the trajectory model (e.g., by calculating the distance between beginning and end points of the trajectory model along the ground, or a plane representing the ground). In some embodiments, because the trajectory model can be determined based on conditions before completion of a flight of ball 500, monitoring system 20 can determine a trajectory model for an instance of flight even in the event that free flight of ball 500 is interrupted (e.g., by striking an object). In such a case, monitoring system 20 can determine an estimated distance traveled by ball 500, which can correspond to a distance ball 500 would have traveled had its flight not been interrupted.

In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine and/or output a representation of maximum acceleration of ball 500. In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine maximum acceleration of ball 500 based on acceleration data. For example, monitoring system 20 can determine maximum acceleration of ball 500 in flight using acceleration data sensed by acceleration sensor 116 of sensor module 102. (Whether ball is in flight can be determined as described above.) For example, monitoring system 20 can compare the magnitude of acceleration of ball 500 for a time period at all times during the period (or a subset thereof) for which data is available, to identify the greatest magnitude of acceleration, which can be determined to be the maximum acceleration of ball 500 during the time period. The time period for which maximum acceleration is determined can be any time period, for example, a single period of free flight, a selected time period, or the duration of an athletic contest. In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 is may filter out sensed magnitudes of acceleration of, around, or in excess of 1G, as such magnitudes may be due to gravity (e.g., in the event ball 500 is not in free flight).

Monitoring system 20 can output representations of activity metrics (including, for example, trajectory of ball 500, launch angle of ball 500, rotation rate of ball 500, orientation of rotation plane of ball 500, orientation of rotation axis of ball 500, travel speed of ball 500, launch speed of ball 500, force of a kick or other impact on ball 500, distance of travel of ball 500, and maximum acceleration of ball 500) in a manner perceivable by individual 100 or other person (e.g., a coach, trainer, or spectator). Data generated within or received by any component of monitoring system 20 can be transmitted, processed, and output in any suitable manner, including those described herein.

For example, in some embodiments, representations of activity metrics can be output to a display of a portable electronic device (e.g., portable electronic device 206) or personal computer (e.g., personal computer 204). In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine and output, for example, representations of activity metrics in real time, representations of past activity metrics, representations of predicted activity metrics, representations of comparisons of a current (or most recent) value for an activity metric to a past value for that activity metric, representations of comparisons of one activity metric to a different activity metric, representations of comparisons of a value for an activity metric to a target value for the activity metric, representations of comparisons of a value for an activity metric of ball 500 or individual 100 to a value for the same (or a different) activity metric for a different ball or individual.

In some embodiments, representations of activity metrics can be presented (e.g., displayed on a display screen of any of the devices described herein) as functions of one another, or of other variables. For example, travel distance of ball 500 can be presented as a function of launch angle. Also for example, activity metrics can be presented as a function of location (e.g., location on a playing field, proximity to a player, proximity to a goal), as a function of an event (e.g., scoring of a field goal, committing a foul), as a function of an environmental condition (e.g., ambient temperature, precipitation), or as a function of a physiological condition of an individual (e.g., heart rate, body temperature). Information relating to such variables (e.g., location information, event information, environmental condition information, and physiological condition information) may be provided to monitoring system 20 from appropriate sensors incorporated therein, or from elements outside of monitoring system 20 that are in communication with monitoring system 20.

In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can determine and output representations in any perceivable way, for example, numerically (e.g., by outputting a value indicative of the activity metric or comparison), textually (e.g., by outputting a word or phrase indicative of the activity metric or comparison), graphically (e.g., by outputting a graph or other image indicative of the activity metric or comparison), or tabularly (e.g., by outputting a table indicative of the activity metric or comparison).

In some embodiments, activity metrics can be output in a game-like manner. Points or other positive or negative feedback may be determined and output based on values for activity metrics for ball 500 and/or individual 100. Comparisons based on such values or feedback can influence progress in the game. For example, such values or feedback may be compared to past values or feedback for the same individual 100 or ball 500, and improvement may result in positive progress being made in the game (e.g., a higher “level” being designated to a game account of individual 100 or ball 500). Also for example, such values or feedback may be compared to values or feedback of a different individual 100 or ball 500 (including data of, or purported to be of, a professional athlete or other well-known individual), and progress in the game may be determined based on that comparison. Also for example, such values or feedback may be compared to target values or feedback, and progress in the game may be determined based on that comparison. Also for example, in some embodiments, such activity metrics can govern capabilities of a virtual player in a virtual game, by being uploaded to or otherwise accessed by the game (e.g., the maximum ball speed of an individual's kick of ball 500 may limit the maximum virtual ball speed of a virtual avatar of the individual in a virtual game).

In some embodiments, monitoring system 20 can be used as a standalone monitoring system. In some embodiments, however, monitoring system 20 (or components thereof) can be used in conjunction with or incorporated into other monitoring systems, including for example, those disclosed in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/077,494, filed Mar. 31, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

For example, in some embodiments, any of the activity metrics (including values and/or outputs) described herein can be used and/or output in conjunction with activity metrics or other data from other monitoring systems, for example, monitoring devices and associated components that sense characteristics (e.g., movement, performance, and/or physiological characteristics) of one or more objects or players engaged in an athletic activity (such as described above, for example, with respect to the group monitoring system). For example, an individual engaged in an athletic activity may be separately monitored by a monitoring device such that activity metrics of the individual's performance can be monitored and/or output for observation by, for example, a coach, trainer, or spectator, or for later review by the individual himself. Simultaneously, activity metrics of ball 500, which can be interacted with by the individual during the athletic activity, may be monitored and/or output as described herein with reference to monitoring system 20. The activity metrics resulting from monitoring of ball 500 can be used together with the activity metrics resulting from monitoring of the individual. For example, activity metrics derived from the individual can be displayed in a time-correlated manner with activity metrics derived from ball 500. Also for example, activity metrics derived from the individual can be expressed as a function of activity metrics derived from ball 500 (or vice versa). Also for example, new activity metrics can be determined based on analysis of both activity metrics derived from the individual and activity metrics derived from ball 500 (e.g., the time it takes for the individual to react to an instruction to kick ball 500).

For example, an individual's speed may be monitored during performance of an athletic activity, and speed of ball 500 may also be monitored during performance of the athletic activity. A monitoring system taking both of these characteristics into account may display (or otherwise output) speed of the individual in conjunction with the speed of ball 500 (see, e.g., FIG. 32). For a series of kicks, maximum speed of ball 500 may be expressed as a function of speed of the individual. Similar comparison, combinations, and/or representations can be provided for any other combination of characteristics derived from outputs of ball 500 and a monitored individual.

In some embodiments, a plurality of monitored individuals may interact with one or more of ball 500 (e.g., during a soccer game). Activity metrics derived from each of the plurality of individuals and activity metrics derived from ball(s) 500 can be similarly compared, combined, and/or represented as described above. Such comparison, combination, and/or representations can be made based on each individual considered separately, on a subset of individuals grouped together (e.g., a team, midfielders of a team), or on all monitored individuals. In a game setting, such comparison, combination, and/or representations can be correlated to game events, such as a goal, a ball traveling out-of-bounds, a penalty kick, or a jump ball, which can be output in relation to contemporaneous activity metrics of individuals as described.

Such comparing, combining, and/or representing data derived from monitoring ball 500 and from monitoring individuals interacting with ball 500 can provide benefits to, for example, the individuals participating in an athletic activity, coaches, spectators, physicians, and game officials. Such persons may interact or work together during a session of athletic activity for a variety of reasons.

For example, it may be desired that a coach monitors the performance of the individuals and makes recommendations or otherwise influences their performance in order to maximize the individuals' fitness level. Alternatively or additionally, it may be desired that the coach monitors and influences the individuals to help maximize the effectiveness of the individuals in the athletic activity. Further, it may be desired that the coach monitors and influences the individuals to help maximize the probability of success in the athletic activity (where success may be, for example, defeating an opposing team in a game, such as, for example, soccer, or achieving/maintaining a desired level of fitness for one or more individuals participating in the athletic activity). A session of athletic activity may include, for example, a training session (e.g., a field session, a gym session, a track session) or a competitive session (e.g., a soccer match or a basketball game).

In some embodiments, the coach may monitor the individuals and ball 500 and may provide feedback to the individuals in order to track and maintain or improve the individuals' health, safety, and/or performance.

The coach must consider these and other goals, monitor the individuals' activity (including the results of their activity, e.g., as determined through monitoring of ball 500), and make decisions to influence the performance of the individuals both individually and as a group. In doing so, the coach depends on information about the individuals and their performance while participating in a session of athletic activity. A monitoring system (e.g., monitoring system 20, group monitoring system 250) that provides data about the individuals as well as a ball being interacted with by the individuals can provide the coach with easy-to-understand information about individuals participating in the athletic activity, beyond that which can be directly observed, thereby facilitating quick and effective decision-making by the coach to maximize the probability of achieving success in the athletic activity.

For example, sensor module 102 coupled to ball 500 (and sensor modules 102 coupled to other balls, objects, or individuals) may monitor activity (e.g., activity metrics) of ball 500 (and other balls, objects, or individuals), and may send data relating to the monitored activity to a display device (e.g., group monitoring device 270, see, e.g., FIG. 9), which may display a representation of the activity for viewing by the coach. In some embodiments, such data may be sent from sensor modules 102 to base station 260, and from base station 260 to group monitoring device 270. In some embodiments, such data may be sent from sensor modules 102 to base station 260, and from base station 260 to group monitoring device 270. In some embodiments, such data may be sent directly from sensor modules 102 (and/or portable electronic devices 206, in the case where portable electronic devices 206 receive such data from sensor modules 102) to group monitoring device 270. In some embodiments, such data may be sent from sensor modules 102 (and/or portable electronic devices 206, in the case where portable electronic devices 206 receive such data from sensor modules 102) to other sensor modules 102 (or other portable electronic devices 206), and thereafter output for display on a display device (e.g., via group monitoring device 270 and/or portable electronic device 206)

As noted herein, any processing of such data (e.g., as described herein) between generation thereof and output (e.g., display) thereof can be performed by a processor of any element that receives such data, in any form, including, for example, sensor module 102, portable electronic device 206, base station 260, and group monitoring device 270, as shown, for example, in FIG. 9.

For ease of description, embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to a ball. The disclosure herein, however, is applicable sports objects (i.e., objects used for an athletic activity) that are balls, as described, and sports objects that are not balls, such as, for example a skateboard, a surfboard, a hockey stick, a hockey puck, a heart rate monitor, an arrow, a discus, a javelin, a bowling pin, munitions, a tennis racket, a golf club, a boomerang, and a kite. The disclosure herein, however, is also applicable to objects that are not sports objects, such as, for example, an aircraft (e.g., model plane).

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments of the monitoring system described with reference to the figures will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention.

In some embodiments monitoring system 20 can be applied as described herein to a standalone sensor that can be affixed to any implement, including, for example, the objects described herein (e.g., as an aftermarket upgrade).

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It should be apparent that adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It therefore will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The elements of the embodiments presented above are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but may be interchanged to meet various needs as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for determining speed of an object used for an athletic activity, the method comprising: sensing acceleration data, using a sensor module coupled to the object; determining a drag force applied to the object, based on the acceleration data; comparing the drag force with a drag profile that expresses drag as a function of object speed; and determining speed of the object based on the comparison.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the object is a ball.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor module includes an acceleration sensor, and wherein the acceleration data is sensed by the acceleration sensor.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the drag profile is based on calculated data.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the drag profile is based on experimental data.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the acceleration data comprises a representation of a magnitude of acceleration sensed by the sensor module.
 7. The method of claim 1, comprising: determining that the object is in free flight at the time of sensing the acceleration data.
 8. The method of claim 1, comprising: providing an output based on the speed of the object.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the output is a display of the speed of the object in conjunction with a characteristic of an individual.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the output is a display of the speed of the object in conjunction with an activity metric.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein providing the output comprises transmitting data representative of the speed to a display device.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the display device is a portable phone.
 13. A method for determining distance traveled by an object used for an athletic activity, the method comprising: determining that the object is in free flight, using a sensor module coupled to the object; determining a condition of the object during free flight, using the sensor module; determining a trajectory model for the flight of the object based on the condition of the object during flight; and determining the distance traveled by the object based on the trajectory model.
 14. The method of claim 13, comprising: determining a speed of the object during free flight; determining a launch angle of the object; determining a plane of rotation of the object; and determining a rate of rotation of the object, wherein the condition of the object during free flight comprises the speed, launch angle, plane of rotation, and rate of rotation of the object.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the object is a ball.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein determining speed of the object comprises: sensing acceleration data, using the sensor module; determining a drag force applied to the object, based on the acceleration data; comparing the drag force with a drag profile that expresses drag as a function of object speed; and determining speed of the object based on the comparison.
 17. The method of claim 13, comprising: providing an output based on the distance traveled by the object.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the output is a display of the distance traveled by the object in conjunction with a characteristic of an individual.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the output is a display of the distance traveled by the object in conjunction with an activity metric.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the output comprises transmitting data representative of the distance traveled by the object to a display device. 